Additional information
by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (Author), Anna Swanwick (Translator), Thomas Carlyle (Introduction by)
Since the year 1795, when it first appeared at Berlin, numerous editions of Meister have been printed: critics of all ranks, and some of them dissenting widely from its doctrines, have loaded it with encomiums; its songs and poems are familiar to every German ear; the people read it, and speak of it, with an admiration approaching in many cases to enthusiasm. After a failed romance with the theater, Wilhelm commits himself to the mysterious Tower Society. Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship affords a distinct view of Goethe's matured genius, his manner of thought and favorite subjects -- more so, perhaps, than any of his other works. Nor is it Goethe alone whom it portrays; the prevailing taste of Germany of the day is likewise indicated by it.
