The Sorrows of Young Werther

Name: The Sorrows of Young Werther
Brand: Penguin Random House Distribution
SKU: 9780140445039
Price: 24.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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3.69

( 150,792 ratings, 10,832 reviews)

Summary

The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a poignant tale about a young artist named Werther, who falls deeply in love with Charlotte. Despite knowing she is engaged to another man, Albert, Werther's passion overwhelms him, leading to intense emotional turmoil. Set against a backdrop of idyllic pastoral landscapes, the story explores themes of unrequited love and the struggle between passion and societal norms.
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The Sorrows of Young Werther

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy exploring tales of intense emotion and existential angst. Delve into the passionate and tumultuous experiences of a young artist as he navigates the complexities of unrequited love and societal constraints in this poignant and enduring classic of romantic literature.

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Visiting an idyllic German village, Werther, a sensitive young man, meets and falls in love with sweet-natured Charlotte. Although he realises that she is to marry Albert, he is unable to subdue his passion and his infatuation torments him to the point of despair.

The book was an immediate success and a cult rapidly grew up around it, resulting in numerous copycat deaths as well as violent criticism and suppression for its apparent support of suicide.

Description

Penguin Classics relaunch.

Visiting an idyllic German village, Werther, a sensitive young man, falls in love with sweet-natured Lotte. Though he realises that Lotte is to marry Albert, he is unable to subdue his passion and his infatuation torments him to the point of despair. The first great 'confessional' novel, it draws both on Goethe's own unrequited love for Charlotte Buff and on the death of a close friend.

The book was an immediate success and a cult rapidly grew up around it, resulting in numerous copycat deaths as well as violent criticism and suppression for its apparent support of suicide. Goethe's exploration of the mind of an artist at odds with society and ill-equipped to cope with life remains as poignant as when it was first written.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Sorrows of Young Werther receives praise for its poignant exploration of unrequited love and the emotional depth of its protagonist. Goethe's novel, written in a series of letters, vividly portrays the intensity of youthful passion and its potential consequences. Some reviews highlight its influence on Romantic literature and its enduring relevance, though others note the protagonist's despair can come across as overly dramatic.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140445039

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 March 1989

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

Translated by Michael Hulse
Introduction by Michael Hulse
Notes by Michael Hulse
Translated by Michael Hulse

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 9.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 112g

Pages: 144

Collections

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About the Author

Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born in Frankfurt in 1749. He is best remembered for his great works The Sorrows of Young Werther and Faust, and his part in the 18th century 'Sturm and Drang' movement. He died in 1832. Michael Hulse is an acclaimed literary German translator.

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