GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832). Götz von Berlichingen mit der eisernen Hand. Ein Schauspiel. [Darmstadt: Eylau for the author and Merck,] 1773.

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GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832). Götz von Berlichingen mit der eisernen Hand. Ein Schauspiel. [Darmstadt: Eylau for the author and Merck,] 1773.

Price realised GBP 8,750

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GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832). Götz von Berlichingen mit der eisernen Hand. Ein Schauspiel. [Darmstadt: Eylau for the author and Merck,] 1773.

Rare first edition of this Sturm und Drang drama, Goethe’s first major literary work to be published. It was printed anonymously and privately, Goethe paying for the paper and his friend Merck for the printer’s costs. Goethe had decided in favour of publishing after heavily revising an early version which had been severely scrutinized by Herder. He had to borrow money, and ask friends to buy copies or place them with booksellers. But the play was successful. Several piracies were produced within the year, and it premiered on stage in 1744, projecting Goethe to the forefront of the contemporary artistic scene. Hagen 46.

Octavo (153 x 98mm). Without final blank (title-page repaired at gutter, neat repair to F8 without loss). Later period-style calf gilt. Provenance: Hauser (exlibris).

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