Goethe: The Sorrows of Young Werther (Landmarks of World Literature)

Landmarks of World Literature

by Martin Swales

The tradition of the German novel, before the emergence of its 'classic' writers in the first half of the twentieth century (Thomas Mann, Kafka, Hesse, Musil), does not have an assured place in the canon of European literature. Not that it has wanted for spirited advocates; but, despite all efforts, it has remained firmly on the periphery. The one signal exception is Goethe's novel Die Leiden des jungen Werthers usually rendered as 'The Sorrows of Young Werther'. Werther was an extraordinary and immediate bestseller both in Germany and abroad.

Genres: Classics, Romance

132 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 1987

About the author

Martin Swales was made Professor Emeritus at the University of London in 2003 after a career teaching German literature in British and Canadian universities.

Reviews

[John Zelazny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I was halfway through this book I had already connected with it on a deep level. I didn’t know what was going to happen in the end but I knew Goethe was telling my story and the opposite of my story at the same time. Ten years later I published my first novel, The Sorrows of Young Mike, which is a parody of this great tale. I can only be grateful to Goethe and encourage everyone to read The Sorrows of Young Werther. Also, if you like it enough or even if you hate it — you should check out my parody.

[Carl Brun · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Douloureusement belle."

"Dolorosamente bello."

"Dolorosamente hermoso."

[Peyton Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was a freshman at Reed College, and it broke my heart. I am sorry to say that not only did I identify with young Werther, I thought that he and his life were infinitely better than me and mine.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but affecting read that perfectly portrays the thoughts and lives during the Romantic period. Full of emotion, turmoil, and beautiful imagery; enjoyable.

[paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never forgive any soul which has read this book and not recommended it to me. Whatever fabric German literature like this is woven out of, is the same as the one that builds the softest part of me. The fact that this is in epistolary form and managed to connect so deeply with me is just another amazing quality of it, besides the descriptions that have hit the special button I've been waiting to be hit ever since reading classics. I always thought I'd never have a favorite classic, because they're sometimes so imbued with notions that I can't agree with (racism, misogyny etc), but I can now confidently say, this 100 - something page book, is my favorite classic.

[John DuBois · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this one was kind of boring for me. It is a landmark book though, as I have read history about it saying that the book was a big deal for Germany to have an award winning author for a change, instead of the awards always going to British and French authors. Another thing that caused me to want to read the book was the history saying that Napoleon carried a copy of this book and read it 9 times or so. From what I understand, the book was hot stuff romance reading for the audience of the time.

[Cameron Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent forward and translation of this masterpiece by Goethe and used heavily in my own book Voyage to the Heart: The Nature of Love in describing the love of objects and how they relate to the love of others.

[James MacInnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very first novels of the Western Canon to sympathetically address suicide and depression. The story of a young man desperately in love with a married woman and a warning against the dangers of the heart. I found it deeply moving.

[cat edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

my essay's saving grace

[Marisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

many after of reading this book, someday I remember I was talking about
it with my sister and I suddenly and Unconsciously called that " the confession
of a disturbed mind" and that was it indeed.
very impressive it is and full of sorrow and worriments.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story by a troubled writer revealing much inner torment. Written in 1774 and based on Goethe's real love affair with someone - when she later married, Goethe sent her this book.

[Houa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt really bad for Werther because he had to endure through so much heart ache and pain.

[Marwa Al-shwiki]

I wish I could read it one day in German language... but so far the translation is not that bad...