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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9781603120609
ISBN: 1603120602
Label: Aegypan
Manufacturer: Aegypan
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 512
Publication Date: 2007-02-01
Publisher: Aegypan
Studio: Aegypan

Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship affords a distinct view of Goethe's matured genius, his manner of thought and favorite subjects -- more so, perhaps, than any of his other works. Nor is it Goethe alone whom it portrays; the prevailing taste of Germany of the day is likewise indicated by it. Since the year 1795, when it first appeared at Berlin, numerous editions of Meister have been printed: critics of all ranks, and some of them dissenting widely from its doctrines, have loaded it with encomiums; its songs and poems are familiar to every German ear; the people read it, and speak of it, with an admiration approaching in many cases to enthusiasm.

Customer Rating:
Review Summary: A Masterpiece of a Philosophical Novel
Review: Whenever I read Goethe's poems, plays or prose, I'm reminded of his genius. But I have a particularly warm spot in my heart for Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, Goethe's philosophical novel. The story is gripping, the characters majestic and the ideas compelling.

The novel's cornerstone is its chapter entitled "Confessions of a Beautiful Soul." That chapter provides the thread that ties together the book's plot and characters to its philosophy. In that chapter and what follows -- no less than in his Faust -- Goethe provides a glimpse of lives that he views to be truly worth living.

My advice is to read the Sorrows of Young Werther, in which Goethe shows what it means to be an immature, impetuous post-adolescent, and then read Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, and learn what it means to evolve into a wise, contended adult. On the surface, Werther was Goethe's great tragedy, but if you ask me, the real tragedy is that Meister is rarely read in modern America. Hopefully, the book will soon have a renaissance. Lord knows it deserves one.

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Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Bildungsroman
Review: German phrase, meaning "novel that raises (characteres)", very common type of a novel in 18th century best describes this book.
Wilhelm Meister alter ego of Goethe himself advances through stages of life consistenting from theatre to salesman to "one that shall be married with someone of higher class than he".
In the mouth of his characters, that are not entirely fictional, Goethe develops problems which he sees as an important factor in a world that he had lived.
Ranging from his views of national theatre, national literature (as presented by von Herder or the whole cultural situation in the wolrd in those days) to the morale, marriage, love and succesfullnes of any type.
Though presented in typically romantic manner this book is read very easy, you'll just need to accomodate yourself to the language and way of thinking of 18th century, which can be looked upon as somewhat naive....especially considering some recent works that have been written around same theme.
Insightfull view to the German romantic novel which you may like or you may not (as it is with any other book)...wouldn't recomend to someone who just started to discover the brilliant world of literature, this book searches for highly tuned reader who has much interest (and much knowledge) of the 18th century world...

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Customer Rating:
Review Summary: A Fantastic Book That Never Leaves You
Review: As one of the most prolific and multi-talented authors to ever set words to page, Goethe is often considered the master of early romantic works and even the patriarch of the modern novel. Fittingly, Goethe's numerous interests and telents, including law, geology, science and literature, come to life in Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship the precursor to Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years.

I caution all those who pick up this book to do so with grit and determination for it is not light reading. The density and complexity of the piece can be discouraging and the sometimes fantastical character encounters can leave you with a sense of shallowness and predictability. These opinions, however, are ones that fade away as the overall impact of the novel begins to set in and alter you perceptions of the world.

Goethe's romantic voice can be heard throughout, and, while many readers prefer the more adventurous and extravegant side of love, the romances here are shockingly harsh and true-to-life, which only add to the benefits of the work. To be sure adveture and extravegance are not spared.

Goethe was also the quitesential statesman of his time, and this meant ties to Freemasonry. What can be interpreted as Masonic overtones and undertones add a veil of mystery and adventure to the book, while philosophical exchanges leave the reader with points to consider, even in today's world.

My appreciation for this book stems from its uncanny insight into my present life and the lingering ideas it presented to me. Had I not read this novel I would surely be missing something extraordinary today.

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