In 1768, at the age of nineteen, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe began to study hermetic literature. This exploration had a huge impact on the early aesthetic education of Europes great man of letters, the last renaissance titan. In the years that followed, Goethe immersed himself in the hermetic tradition, and even set up an alchemic laboratory and attempted to make an elixir of immortality. Although he eventually gave up his alchemical experiments, he was to believe in the validity of the Great Work for the rest of his life.Alchemic symbolism is prominent in many of Goethes works, and it is particularly abundant in the tales of selfmastery and transformation presented in this collection. Included here are new translations of Fairy Tale (Mrchen), Goethes alchemical allegory The Counselor and The New Melusina, stories of temptation and the tests of love The Good Woman, a curious discourse on aesthetics and the rights of women and the lyrical prose masterpiece Novelle. Here also for the first time in English is The Magical Flute, Goethes sequel to Mozarts opera, with themes of initiation, the magical power of music and liberated genius.

Binding: Paperback;144 pages; Publisher: City Lights Publishers; Classification: DSB; Weight: 292 g; Dimensions: 228 x 177 x 10

Something not quite right? You have 21 days from the day you receive it, to send something back. When you purchase Debenhams Deliver+, you will have an extra 14 days on top of our standard 21-day window to initate a return.

Please note, we cannot offer refunds on fashion face masks, cosmetics, pierced jewellery, adult toys, and swimwear or lingerie if the hygiene seal is not in place or has been broken.

Items of footwear and/or clothing must be unworn and unwashed with the original labels attached. Also, footwear must be tried on indoors. Items of homeware including bedlinen, mattresses, and toppers, and pillows must be unused and in their original unopened packaging. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Click here to view our full Returns Policy.