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The Sorrows of Young Werther

by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

A young artist’s letters and inner life

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A young artist’s letters and inner life

Goethe’s novel centers on Werther, a young artist whose introspection and passionate sensibility are presented through an epistolary structure. This Oxford World’s Classics edition includes David Constantine’s translation, a critical introduction addressing the autobiographical background and the novel’s form and reception, and explanatory notes on contemporary allusions, literary references, and parallels with Goethe’s life. Those features place the story alongside useful context for understanding its construction and historical references.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in Romantic-era fiction and the figure of the introspective young artist.
  • Readers who value editions with critical introductions and explanatory notes.
  • Readers studying epistolary form or the relationship between literature and an author’s life.

Themes

Introspection and alienationPassionate sensibilityEpistolary formAutobiographical context

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

The Sorrows of Young Werther propelled Goethe to instant fame when it first appeared in 1774. Goethe's story of a sensitive young artist--an alienated youth of searching introspection and passionate intensity--captured the Romantic sensibility of the day and led to a wave of imitations. Translated by the award-winning author David Constantine, this new edition captures the novel's lyric clarity and powerful immediacy. In addition, Constantine's critical introduction sheds light on the autobiographical background, the novel's epistolary form and structure, and Werther's reception and afterlife. The explanatory notes illuminate contemporary allusions, literary references, and the parallels with Goethe's life.

About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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