Faust: A Tragedy In Two Parts & The Urfaust (Wordsworth Classics of World Literature)

Excellent thanks

I found this very entertaining to read. It is written aesthetically, (and this is maintained in the translation, not that I have read the original German), and is an engrossing story. I'm sure that there are many allusions and philosophical parables to be found in close study of the text, but I just found it an enjoyable read without having to take it too seriously. Mephistopheles is a brilliant comic character, but there are also subtle insights into the depth of his evil as well. The minimalism of the characters other than Mephistopheles and Faust is stylish and makes the story all the more memorable in retrospect. Reading this makes me feel that all stories should be written in verse, if only the authors were skillful enough. Even though I have only studied Shakespeare at the usual school level, I can see what might be Shakespearian influences or things that remind me of Shakespeare; perhaps this was in places done on purpose by Goethe as a tribute to Shakespeare. As far as I can tell, the translator has done a miraculous job. One of my favourite lines in the play is: "But write it all down, concentrating As if it were the Holy Ghost dictating!"

An interesting and fine translation. It would be very fine, but there are occasional problems with the metrics. By and large, though, this is the best job since that of David Luke. Inclusion of the "Urfaust" make this a definite plus.

Definitely recommend to those who cannot read it in German, but would like to get a full view on Goethe's transcendental perception of humanity - a key element to a deeper understanding of Western Culture; secondly, mainly the first part, to those who are keen for a poignant love story which is beautifully laid down before us in stunning meter and rhyme. John R. Williams arguably did what very few literary scholars have ever achieved - he adopted a complete work of Goethe's without runing into artistic decline.

It's written as a play, nothing wrong with that, but a bit disappointed

I am so happy to have received this book along with 7 others today as I rebuilt my collection! Slainte! 💚🤍🧡

A book I always wanted to read and finally got around to. Yes I had to keep a dictionary next to me; and yes I had to read it twice. On the second reading, once my brain was 'trained' to 'get' it - it was actually a brilliant, mind expanding, thought provoking, piece of brilliance. Will definitely read again.

Love it. First book in a while read in rhymes. Easy language - interesting plot.

Der Übersetzer hält sich zu oft nicht an die Vorlage. Das mag unausweichlich sein, tut aber dem deutschen Leser weh. Für Briten mag es ausreichen, denn sie kennen den viel schöneren und viel präziseren deutschen Text nicht. Entschuldigend für den Übersetzer kann man vortragen, dass die englische Sprache nicht in der Lage ist, so differnziert wie die deutsche zu formulieren. Es fehlen schlicht die Wörter, was man mit dem Zentimetermaß an der Dicke der deutsch-englischen und gleichartigen englisch-deutschen Lexika nachmessen kann.

no wonder it took so much years for goethe to write this phenomenal piece, this translation, by john williams, makes it accessible to intermediate readers, for a scholarly approach will require comparisons of different translations and the original text. as for the author, goethe was a universal genius, made remarkable contributions in literature, philosophy, and science, arguably the greatest german of his time. no wonder goethe was the noblest person ever according to nietzsche. of all the books i have read, mainly philosophy and psychoanalysis and analytical psychology, goethe was one of the most cited figures and faust was most cited work in books by freud and jung, as the depth was far deeper than literary, touching the unconscious psychology, making it a must read.

I've read a few translations of Faust and find the Wordsworth edition, "Translated and with an Introduction and Notes by John R. Williams" to be a real delight to read. His translation isn't as "Literal" as some but I find that how he phrases things is a shear delight and still gives a close rendition to the original. This is my second copy, as I gave away the first to a German friend of mine hoping that Williams' way of writing will grab her the way it did me and she could improve her English through this rich piece of work.

Great classic book that all book lovers should add to their collection.

Well of wisdom....