Wordsworth Translated: A Case Study in the Reception of British Romantic Poetry in Germany 1804-1914

by John Williams

British writers of the Romantic Period were popular in Germany throughout the nineteenth century, and translations of Scott, Burns, Moore, Hemans, and Byron (among others) became widespread. This study analyses the reception of William Wordsworth's poetry in 19th century Germany in relation to other romantic poets. Research into Anglo-German cultural relations has tended to see Wordsworth as of little or no interest to Germany but new research shows that Wordsworth was clearly of interest to German poets, translators and readers and that there was significantly more knowledge of and respect for Wordsworth's poetry, and interest in his ideas and beliefs, than has previously been recognised. Williams focuses particularly on the work of Friedrich Jacobsen, Ferdinand Freligrath and Marie Gothein, who span the early, middle, and late years of the century respectively and establishes the wider presence of many others translating, anthologising and commenting on Wordsworth poetry and beliefs.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2009

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Reviews

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by a friend of mine and I helped him with some translation for it. I was sent this lovely signed copy and my name is mentioned in the acknowledgements.

The book is a very interesting look at the influence of Wordsworth on the German Romantics. The author details the reception of Wordsworth poetry by different German literary figures and looks indepth at the way his works were translated and used by different people.

This is not for everyone, being a very scholarly account, but will interest anyone who is a fan of Worsdworth or the Romantic movement as it makes some very important observations on the influence English literature had, especially during the Romantic Period, on German writing and the growing sense of the German Nation.