The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust' By: H. B. (Henry Bernard) Cotterill (1846-)
In "The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust'," H. B. Cotterill delves into the timeless and intriguing story of Faust, comparing and contrasting it with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's masterpiece, "Faust." Cotterill's analysis is thought-provoking, shedding light on the various interpretations and themes that weave throughout both works. The book begins with a comprehensive exploration of the origin of the Faust legend, tracing its roots back to the historical figure Johann Georg Faust. From there, the author takes us on a journey through the evolution of the Faust story, examining its progression through different literary and cultural contexts. What sets this book apart is Cotterill's meticulous examination of Goethe's contribution to the Faust legend. By comparing the original legend to Goethe's interpretation, the author presents a compelling argument for the significance of Goethe's rendition within the broader literary canon. Cotterill's analysis highlights the interplay between Goethe's own philosophical musings and the iconic tale of Faust, making for a captivating exploration of both works. Furthermore, Cotterill's writing style is engaging and accessible, making this book accessible to both scholars and casual readers. The author presents his analysis with clarity and precision, avoiding unnecessary jargon and ensuring that his points are easily understood. One of the standout aspects of this book is the wealth of historical and literary references provided throughout. Cotterill's in-depth research is evident, and his meticulous attention to detail enriches the reader's understanding of the context surrounding the Faust legend. Additionally, the book incorporates numerous examples and excerpts from both the Faust legend and Goethe's "Faust," allowing readers to experience firsthand the similarities and deviations between the various versions. A minor drawback of the book is its occasional moments of repetitiveness. Certain points are rehashed, leading to a sense of déjà vu for astute readers. Although this does not significantly detract from the overall quality of the analysis, it does create certain passages that feel redundant. In conclusion, H. B. Cotterill's "The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust'" provides an insightful and comprehensive exploration of the Faust legend and its transformation through Goethe's lens. Cotterill's analysis is well-researched and engaging, offering a deep dive into the nuances of both the legend and the masterpiece it inspired. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the literary legacy of Faust and Goethe's enduring contribution to it. First Page: Transcriber's Note: Obvious typographical errors have been corrected in this text. For a complete list, please see the bottom of this document. The symbol for a trochee on page 134 is shown like this: U Text printed using the Greek alphabet in the original book is shown as follows: [Greek: logos] THE FAUST LEGEND AND GOETHE'S 'FAUST' BY H. B. COTTERILL EDITOR OF GOETHE'S 'IPHIGENIE' SCHILLER'S 'LAGER' 'REFLECTIONS FROM THE NIBELUNGENLIED' DANTE'S 'INFERNO' ETC. LONDON GEORGE G. HARRAP & COMPANY 9 PORTSMOUTH STREET KINGSWAY W.C. 1912 BALLANTYNE & COMPANY, LTD. TAVISTOCK STREET, COVENT GARDEN LONDON PREFACE These lectures have been given perhaps half a dozen times, in England, in Switzerland and in Germany. On allowing them to appear in print I should perhaps apologize to my readers for the somewhat free and familiar style in which parts of them are written; but even if I had the time to recast them into a more serious form I should be unwilling to do so, for there is surely enough ponderous literature on the subject, and although some may resent in a book what often helps to make a lecture attractive, I think I can rely on the fact that many people agree with the dictum of Horace: Ridiculum aeri Fortius et melius magnas plerumque secat res, or, as Milton has it: Joking decides great things Stronger and better oft than earnest can... Continue reading book >>

The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust' By: H. B. (Henry Bernard) Cotterill (1846-)

In "The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust'," H. B. Cotterill delves into the timeless and intriguing story of Faust, comparing and contrasting it with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's masterpiece, "Faust." Cotterill's analysis is thought-provoking, shedding light on the various interpretations and themes that weave throughout both works.

The book begins with a comprehensive exploration of the origin of the Faust legend, tracing its roots back to the historical figure Johann Georg Faust. From there, the author takes us on a journey through the evolution of the Faust story, examining its progression through different literary and cultural contexts.

What sets this book apart is Cotterill's meticulous examination of Goethe's contribution to the Faust legend. By comparing the original legend to Goethe's interpretation, the author presents a compelling argument for the significance of Goethe's rendition within the broader literary canon. Cotterill's analysis highlights the interplay between Goethe's own philosophical musings and the iconic tale of Faust, making for a captivating exploration of both works.

Furthermore, Cotterill's writing style is engaging and accessible, making this book accessible to both scholars and casual readers. The author presents his analysis with clarity and precision, avoiding unnecessary jargon and ensuring that his points are easily understood.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the wealth of historical and literary references provided throughout. Cotterill's in-depth research is evident, and his meticulous attention to detail enriches the reader's understanding of the context surrounding the Faust legend. Additionally, the book incorporates numerous examples and excerpts from both the Faust legend and Goethe's "Faust," allowing readers to experience firsthand the similarities and deviations between the various versions.

A minor drawback of the book is its occasional moments of repetitiveness. Certain points are rehashed, leading to a sense of déjà vu for astute readers. Although this does not significantly detract from the overall quality of the analysis, it does create certain passages that feel redundant.

In conclusion, H. B. Cotterill's "The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust'" provides an insightful and comprehensive exploration of the Faust legend and its transformation through Goethe's lens. Cotterill's analysis is well-researched and engaging, offering a deep dive into the nuances of both the legend and the masterpiece it inspired. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the literary legacy of Faust and Goethe's enduring contribution to it.

First Page:

Transcriber's Note: Obvious typographical errors have been corrected in this text. For a complete list, please see the bottom of this document. The symbol for a trochee on page 134 is shown like this: U Text printed using the Greek alphabet in the original book is shown as follows: [Greek: logos]

THE FAUST LEGEND AND GOETHE'S 'FAUST'

H. B. COTTERILL

EDITOR OF GOETHE'S 'IPHIGENIE' SCHILLER'S 'LAGER' 'REFLECTIONS FROM THE NIBELUNGENLIED' DANTE'S 'INFERNO' ETC.

LONDON GEORGE G. HARRAP & COMPANY 9 PORTSMOUTH STREET KINGSWAY W.C. 1912

BALLANTYNE & COMPANY, LTD. TAVISTOCK STREET, COVENT GARDEN LONDON

PREFACE

These lectures have been given perhaps half a dozen times, in England, in Switzerland and in Germany. On allowing them to appear in print I should perhaps apologize to my readers for the somewhat free and familiar style in which parts of them are written; but even if I had the time to recast them into a more serious form I should be unwilling to do so, for there is surely enough ponderous literature on the subject, and although some may resent in a book what often helps to make a lecture attractive, I think I can rely on the fact that many people agree with the dictum of Horace:

Ridiculum aeri Fortius et melius magnas plerumque secat res,

or, as Milton has it:

Joking decides great things Stronger and better oft than earnest can... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Myths/Legends

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