Johann Wolfgang von Goethe | Die Leiden des jungen Werthers, Leipzig, 1774, first edition

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Die Leiden des jungen Werthers. Erster [...Zweyter] Theil. Leipzig: Weygand, 1774

FIRST EDITION (issue with "härne" in the last line of p. 101 and errata at the end of part II), two parts in one volume, 224 pages, 8vo, with a visiting card possibly inscribed by Goethe or a secretary ('Geheime Rath/ von Goethe /sich bestens empfeh-lend') pasted on front flyleaf, engraved vignette on first title, woodcut vignette on the second, eighteenth-century half calf, rebacked retaining original spine, a few very small wormholes in inner margins, a few light spots

One of the greatest works of the Sturm und Drang literary movement, Die Leiden des jungen Werthers made Goethe famous overnight and inspired many imitative works. It was written in only three months. Part I takes the form of letters, dated from May to September 1771, written by Werther to his friend, while a fictitious narrator continues the story in Part II until December 1772.

PROVENANCE:

Victor von Klemperer, bookplate ("...Bücherei Nr. 2123")

LITERATURE:

Hagen 80