Dimensions
133 x 241 x 19mm
A New Translation by Burton Pike.
Goethe's masterpiece was a literary sensation that swept Europe like nothing before it, and remains dear to the heart of millions of readers who, as Goethe himself remarked, "feel that Werther was written exclusively for them". A tale of unrequited love, passion vs reason, and search for authenticity, Werther ignited a literary fire and fashion storm (and precipitated the first ever literary mass-merchandising campaign); the young in particular went Werther-mad.
While the Church and others attacked it as "dangerous" (in Leipzig dressing like Werther was banned for 50 years!), the 20-something Goethe quickly became the most famous writer in Europe; two hundred years later reading this little book remains a singularly life-changing experience.
Burton Pike's translation is a resounding success. Among its many virtues: restoring the spontaneity of Goethe's original, a sometimes syntax-busting style (mirroring Werther's passions) that other translators gloss over.
