Faust

I opted for this edition of Faust because I wanted to see the period illustrations by Delacroix. I enjoyed reading the long poem over the course of about a week, and now better understand the challenges of people who translate poetry into another language.

Good translation. Yes it is only part one (published in 1808) but part two didn't come until 1831, so it's not like you're missing out. It was originally published as its own work and has its own ending.

Hurrah! Hurrah-tarara-la! Goethe lost me several times but Faust might be an unforgettable fool. No one laughing? No one drinking? I’ll teach you how to grin, I’m thinking. No technical grooves, whatever it means, work of an intrepid rebel.

The scholarly apparatus associated with this critical edition of Faust's major work shows clearly that the details of his unconventional account of a Faust who was forgiven in the end, despite the sins Mephistopheles enabled and encouraged him to commit, have bewildered critics ever since its publication.

The translator of this German classic seemed to be all apologies in his translation of this timeless classic. He need not worry. It was excellent. A man makes a deal with the devil in order to find his true love and runs into all KINDS or problems. Find out who REALLY got over on who. It is funny and great if you like classic poets.

For anyone reading this masterpiece of literature, whether for pleasure or for academics, this is the version to buy. Not only is Walter Arndt's translation beautiful and faithful to the German (it's hard to imagine anything coming closer), the supplemental material, particularly the interpretive notes by Cyrus Hamlin, are indespensible for understanding this dense work, especially for a first time reader. I couldn't possibly give high enough praise or recommendation for this edition.

First, this translation is readable and fresh. The language and rhyme are straight forward and not overly flowery like other translations of this work.
Second I didn't find this "masterpiece" inspiring or remarkable. I read this book because I have heard about the so-called genius of "Faust" referenced enough times that I believe being familiar with this work is valuable. This is the main reason I gave this book 4 stars.

Translations of poems are notoriously unsatisfying, and there is plenty of amazing poetry in English concerning subjects/stories that aren't remarkable. I have no doubt that the essence of the original German version of "Faust" becomes diluted rhythmically and stylistically in the English version. I, personally, have no plans of learning German but people who loved this work probably will benefit from doing so.
I am content with this translation.

spoiler warning: Dr. Faustus was determined to have an experience that was fresh and alive, he wanted to revert back to an older unlived age, hence by living it in the present, only fast tracking backwards, in time, to the past only moving it towards the future. It's a play on time, as well as an experiment in trust.

Before reading this book I kept seeing its title in many articles and books, so I decided to buy the book to see what the fuss is all about. Im no expert in poems but this book was very well written and many lines sound so beautiful when you read them. The story is very entertaining and the greatest thing was the way the devil was portrayed.

Goethe's Faust was written over the span of thirteen years and it is quite apparent. The first half of the novel is quite good and follows Faust through his descent into immoral behavior after having made a deal with the devil's assistant Mephistopheles. It is dramatic and dark. Having read Christopher Marlowe's Faust I was expecting this dark nature to continue. Rather the second half is overly romantic and features troves of mythical creatures and an ending unlike what I would have liked or expected. This is considered a great piece of classic literature but perhaps it is not for everyone.

For some reason (probably mere carelessness), this Kindle edition (for $ 0.99) is NOT the current David Luke translation (Oxford Classic Reissue, 2008). It does NOT include the extensive, and informative Introduction, nor even the same translation. This is supposedly ISBN 0192835955 - supposedly the 1998 edition, long out of print. However, I suspect it is not even that, as it bears little resemblance to the translation that is rendered in the paperback edition. SHAME ON YOU, the store. In this case, for $ 0.99, you don't get what you pay for!

Instead go first to the Kindle Dept., THEN search David Luke, Faust. You'll be taken to the ACTUAL Luke translation, available for $ 3.89, still a bargain!

Faust has played a huge role in shaping our literary culture--if not our culture in toto. SO many have referenced it. So many have used it as their stepping stone to growing literary ideas that Faust seems cliche now. So it is important to those of you wanting to enrich your literary culture and understand where so much of our current culture came from to at least 'surf' it. But it reads like medicine--hard to take. But I felt better for it.

The Norton edition is invaluable in that much information is given explaining the ideas behind this wonderful piece of art. Goethe's references and allusions are clearly explained in detail. Despite what one reviewer said, there is much here to fully enlighten a new reader. Be prepared to fall in love.

However, this being said, it must also be said that Arndt's translation is far from helpful. For me, it gives new meaning to the term `obscure, esoteric erudition'. The Stuart Atkins translation from Princeton is much easier to understand even without the copious footnotes given by Norton. Interestingly, Norton provides a thirteen page review of Faust written by Atkins.

I use the Atkins translation in conjunction with Norton's notes. This means paying for two books when one ought to do. But, this is hardly a high price to pay should one wish to grasp the thoughts of a truly magnificent mind - that of Goethe. But if one wishes to experience German poetry translated into English poetry then Arndt is recommended. I am sure Goethe's poetry is outstanding. All those who ought to know say so. But I would much rather have a clear understanding of what he said, not of how he said it.
Faust: A Tragedy (Norton Critical Editions)