Johann Goethe's classic novel, wherein the protagonist undergoes a period of enlightening realization after he aspires to escape his mundane life as a merchant, is presented here complete in a single volume. Notable for being an early example of the Bildungsroman - a story depicting the central character's growth thanks to his circumstances and efforts - Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship shows us a character whose life typifies middle-class mediocrity. Eager to escape a benign existence and reach some sort of higher ...
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Johann Goethe's classic novel, wherein the protagonist undergoes a period of enlightening realization after he aspires to escape his mundane life as a merchant, is presented here complete in a single volume. Notable for being an early example of the Bildungsroman - a story depicting the central character's growth thanks to his circumstances and efforts - Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship shows us a character whose life typifies middle-class mediocrity. Eager to escape a benign existence and reach some sort of higher goal which, in the beginning, even he is unaware of - Wilhelm is portrayed as a haphazard and lascivious, if determined, hero. The book is characterized by numerous romances, the first being Wilhelm's affair with Mariane, a young theatre actress. Eventually he is recruited into a shadowy association named the Tower Society, which reveals it has been watching closely his progress through the world since he vowed to abandon his routine existence as a trader. Lengthy and at times meandering, the book was never rated by critics of literature either at the time of its release or subsequently. A common criticism is that most the characters aside from William lack in depth, and serve only to advance his journey through life as bit players in the story-at-large. Another is that the plot sometimes veers to the fantastical, while leaving twists - such as the methods behind the Tower Society's surveillance - completely unexplained. However, readers and scholars have noted that the timeless wisdom and genius of Goethe shines through on frequent occasions. His keen understanding of human fallibility occurs in moments of sudden insight, wherein revelations on humanity are dispensed. Perhaps most valuable in terms of a recurrent theme are Goethe's contemplation of William Shakespeare's dramas, particularly that of Hamlet. Intended not merely for entertainment, Goethe's second novel occasionally veers to outright philosophy, as in this thought from William: "The rude man is content if he sees but something going on; the man of more refinement must be made to feel; the man entirely refined, desires to reflect."
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. Cloth bound. 8vo. Gilt title on spine. Library tape across the cover. Light foxing on the pages. Text clear. This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 700grams, ISBN:
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PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
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Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Buying this book was an excellent transaction. The book is in great shape and was delivered well packaged. The seller went above and beyond the call of duty to get the book to me. Our substitute postman who was working while our regular postman was on vacation sent the book back even though it was properly and clearly addressed. The seller emailed me that he was mailing it again and this time it ran the gauntlet of ineptitude and we received it. I really appreciate their caring and persistence. This is not an easy book to find. Thank you a thousand times for +making the extra effort to get the book to me.
