Description

Franklin Library leather edition of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust," Translated by George Madison Priest, Illustrated by Harry Clarke, a Limited edition, one of the 100 GREATEST BOOKS OF ALL TIME series, published in 1979. Bound in black leather, the book has burgundy French moire silk end leaves, satin book marker, hubbed spine, acid-free paper, Symth-sewn binding, gold gilding on three edges---in Very Good/near FINE condition---except for 'indentations' on front board---noticed when held to the light and minor shelf wear. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who lived from 1749-1832, was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and trained as a lawyer. In 1791, he was appointed director of the ducal theatre. The original Faust was a wandering conjurer who lived in Germany in 1488. Th e principal characters of " Faust" include: Heinrich Faust , a scholar; Mephistopheles, the Devil; Gretchen , Faust's love Marthe ; Gretchen's neighbor Valentin ; Gretchen's brother, and Wagner , Faust's attendant. The play opens in Heaven. The demon Mephistopheles makes a bet with God: he says that he can lure God's favorite human being (Faust), who is striving to learn everything that can be known, away from righteous pursuits. The next scene takes place in Faust's study where Faust, despairing at the vanity of scientific, humanitarian and religious learning, turns to magic for the showering of infinite knowledge. He suspects, however, that his attempts are failing. Frustrated, he ponders suicide, but rejects it as he hears the echo of nearby Easter celebrations begin. He goes for a walk with his assistant Wagner and is followed home by a stray poodle. In Faust's study, the poodle transforms into Mephistopheles. Faust makes an arrangement with him: Mephistopheles will do everything that Faust wants while he is here on Earth, and in exchange Faust will serve the Devil in Hell . Faust's arrangement is that if he is pleased enough with anything Mephistopheles gives him that he wants to stay in that moment forever, then he will die in that moment. Mephistopheles tempts Faust with Gretchen, a beautiful virgin and with Mephistopheles' aid, Faust seduces Gretchen. Gretchen's mother dies from a sleeping potion , administered by Gretchen to obtain privacy so that Faust could visit her. Gretchen discovers she is pregnant. Gretchen's brother condemns Faust, challenges him and falls dead at the hands of Faust and Mephistopheles. Gretchen drowns her illegitimate child and is convicted of the murder . Finding that she refuses to escape, Faust and Mephistopheles flee the dungeon, while voices from Heaven announce that Gretchen shall be saved – with the Devil barking "she is condemned." 223 pages. I offer Combined shipping.