The Faustian century : German literature and culture in the age of Luther and Faustus

Resource Information

The work The Faustian century : German literature and culture in the age of Luther and Faustus represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in European University Institute Library. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

The Faustian century : German literature and culture in the age of Luther and Faustus

Title remainder

German literature and culture in the age of Luther and Faustus

Statement of responsibility

edited by J.M. van der Laan and Andrew Weeks

Contributor

• Van der Laan, James M., 1955-
• Weeks, Andrew, 1947-

Editor

• Van der Laan, James M., 1955-
• Weeks, Andrew, 1947-

Subject

• Faust, -approximately 1540 -- Legends -- History and criticism
• German literature -- Early modern, 1500-1700 -- History and criticism

Genre

• Legends

Language

eng

Summary

The Reformation and Renaissance, though segregated into distinct disciplines today, interacted and clashed intimately in Faust, the great figure that attained European prominence in the anonymous 1587 'Historia von D. Johann Fausten'. The original Faust behind Goethe's great drama embodies a remote culture. In his century, Faust evolved from an obscure cipher to a universal symbol. The age explored here as "the Faustian century" invested the 'Faustbuch' and its theme with a symbolic significance still of exceptional relevance today. The new essays in this volume complement one another, providing insights into the tensions and forces that gave the century its distinct character. Several essays seek Faust's prototypes. Others elaborate the symbolic function of his figure and discern the resonance of his tale in conflicting allegiances. This volume focuses on the intersection of historical accounts and literary imaginings, on shared aspects of the work and its times, on concerns with obedience and transgression, obsessions with the devil and curiosity about magic, and quandaries created by shifting religious and worldly authorities. Contributors: Marguerite de Huszar Allen, Kresten Thue Andersen, Frank Baron, Günther Bonheim, Albrecht Classen, Urs Leo Gantenbein, Karl S. Guthke, Michael Keefer, Paul Ernst Meyer, J. M. van der Laan, Helen Watanabe-O'Kelly, Andrew Weeks. J. M. van der Laan is Professor of German and Andrew Weeks is Professor of German and Comparative Literature, both at Illinois State University.--

Assigning source

Provided by publisher

Cataloging source

UkCbUP

Index

index present

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

dictionaries

Series statement

Cambridge Social Sciences eBooks