Goethe’s Faust.
Erster und Zweiter Theil. Two volumes. Edited by Calvin Thomas, Professor of the Germanic Languages and Literatures, University of Michigan, Part I. Cloth. 435 pages. Introduction price, $1.12. By mail, $1.25.
THE distinctive feature of this edition of Faust at least its most prominent distinctive feature is that it presents the entire poem. Hitherto, although the First Part has been repeatedly edited, no complete edition of the work has been prepared for English-speaking students. The reason of this state of affairs is not hard to comprehend; it lies in the all too general neglect of the Second Part. Notwithstanding that this portion of the drama has been several times translated, and notwithstanding that individual scholars have long since felt its power and recognized its value, it has been slow in winning its way to the general favor that it deserves.
It is believed that American students of Goethe will now welcome a complete American edition of the poet's great work. The volumes are edited throughout on philological principles. The aim is, first, to throw light upon real difficulties of the text; at the same time the larger questions of criticism and interpretation are not neglected even if they must be treated briefly. [Part II. in preparation.
Kuno Francke, Ass’t. Prof, of German, Harvard Univ., in “The Nation: It is not too much to say that of all the editions which thus far have appeared in this country or in England, this is by all odds the most scholarly and comprehensive. Its distinguishing feature is the spirit of directness and common sense that pervades it from beginning to end. It will mark an important step in the history of Goethe study in America.
M. D. Learned, Ass’t. Prof. of German, John Hopkins Univ.: A vast stride forward in Faust study in America. This edition is marked by comprehensiveness of plan, wise selection of material, and clearness of statement.
A. H. Palmer, Prof. of German Lang. and Lit., Yale Univ.: Beyond question the best edition with English apparatus.
L. E. Horning, Prof. of German, Victoria Univ., Toronto, Ont.: It is as perfect as an edition of Faust can well be, and it is pleasant to find an editor who can be in full sympathy with his work without losing his balance.
Henry B. Longden, Prof. of German, De Pauw Univ.: I am delighted with it, and know of no edition comparable to it. I shall use it with my class.
A. B. Hohlfeld, Prof. of German, Vanderbilt Univ.: I am delighted with the edition, which is not only eminently useful, but also a credit to the country. I have already introduced it.
Literarisches Centralblatt, Leipzig: Wir wollen uns alles Bekrittelns enthalten, angesichts eines Buches, das im Ganzen durchaus lobenswerth erscheint.
