The Poems of Goethe by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Crowell's Red Line Poets Edition), 1882 ๐โจ๐ฉ๐ช
The Poems of Goethe by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Crowell's Red Line Poets Edition), 1882 ๐โจ๐ฉ๐ช
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1. Introduction ๐๐๐๏ธ
This is a rare first edition of The Poems of Goethe, a beautiful and elegantly bound volume from the late Victorian era.
Published inย 1882 as part of the Crowell's Red Line Poets series, this book is a charming artifact that showcases the artistry of late 19th-century book design.
Its status as a well-preserved, illustrated edition of a literary giant makes it a premier acquisition for any serious collector of classic poetry or decorative books.
2. About the Artwork/Book/Object ๐โ๏ธโจ
The Poems of Goethe is a comprehensive anthology of works from the master of German literature.
The book is renowned for itsย decorative binding, a hallmark of bookmaking from this period. The intricate design, with its ornate flowers and gilded pages, makes this volume a work of art in its own right.
The bookโs content, which includes some of Goethe's most famous poems, provides a valuable glimpse into the romantic and intellectual spirit of the time. This volume is a testament to the enduring appeal of Goetheโs work.
3. About the Artist/Author/Maker โ๏ธ๐๏ธโจ
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) was a German writer, poet, playwright, scientist, and philosopher who is considered the greatest German literary figure of the modern era. He was a leading figure of the Weimar Classicism movement and his works, which included Faust and The Sorrows of Young Werther, were a major influence on the Romantic movement.
Goetheโs poetry, with its lyrical flow and its exploration of nature and human emotion, was beloved by readers across the world.
4. Historical/Political Era Context ๐๐ฐ๏ธ๐
Published inย 1882, this book is a "time capsule" of the late Victorian era, a period of immense social and intellectual change. The bookโs decorative binding reflects a cultural moment where books were seen as both sources of knowledge and objects of beauty.ย
The bookโs content, with its focus on complex human emotions and a return to nature, was a reflection of the intellectual currents of the time. It serves as a valuable document of an era that was grappling with the rise of modern science, psychology, and a longing for a more romantic past.
5. The Ideal Collector ๐ก๐ง๐๏ธ
Thisย 1882 edition of The Poems of Goethe is a core acquisition for a collector building a focused library on classic poetry, German literature, or decorative books.
This book would be a centerpiece in a private collection focused on the history of German literature and the development of modern spirituality.
6. Value & Rarity ๐โจ๐๏ธ
Thisย 1882 edition is a genuinely scarce asset.
The book isย 143 years old, having survived over a century of history. While not an exceptionally rare book, a well-preserved first printing in this condition is more scarce than a mass-produced later edition.ย
7. Condition ๐๐โจ
This volume is in good vintage condition.
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Hardcover: The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight binding and clean pages. The covers show some rubbing and scuffing, which is expected for a book of this age.
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Gilded Pages: The gilded pages are bright, with some minor fading.
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Overall Condition: The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library.
8. Fun Facts & Unique Features ๐ค๐๐คฉ
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Goethe was a masterful poet and scientist who famously wrote one of the first scientific theories on the color spectrum.
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The "Crowell's Red Line Poets" series was a popular collection of high-quality, decorative books that were sold in sets and were a staple of American home libraries in the late 19th century.
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The bookโs elegant cover design, with its ornate details, is a classic example of the intricate, symbolic art that was popular on book covers of the era.
9. Supporting Information ๐ท๏ธ๐ฆ๐ฐ
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Title: The Poems of Goethe
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Author/Maker: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Year: 1882
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Publisher/Foundry: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co.
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Place of Origin: New York, USA
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Format/Binding: Hardcover, Decorative Binding
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Edition: Crowell's Red Line Poets Edition
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Rarity: Rare





























