Discussion
While most people (even if they don't realise it) will be broadly familiar with the Faustian legend.
And of course, the Simpsons have covered the story (Bart sells his soul to Millhouse (Mephistopheles), and Homer sells his soul to Flanders (Satan) for a doughnut - A Tree House of Horror episode)
The best known literary works are by Goethe, and much earlier by Christopher Marlowe.
Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita' similarly weaves the Faustian legend into it's plot.
Goethe is the most widely recognised and quoted (by name and conceptually, rather than literally), but the original was written in German as a play/poem.
I am ashamed to admit, that I lack the inclination to attempt to learn early 19th century German in order to read the original.
I have found late 19th century translations of Goethe that are 'known' to retain the mitre of the original, but in all honesty, I find poetry hard going at the best of times (Milton's 'Paradise Lost' for example taxed me heavily), but translated poetry would surely be the death of me.
I am interested in any recommendations for a prose version that remains reasonably faithful to the original. Preferably in original English, or an English translation. Academic discussions may also be worth considering.
I will in any case be ordering a translation of Goethe's original (likely by Bayard Taylor), and may research into purchasing a copy of Marlowe's work as well.
And of course, the Simpsons have covered the story (Bart sells his soul to Millhouse (Mephistopheles), and Homer sells his soul to Flanders (Satan) for a doughnut - A Tree House of Horror episode)
The best known literary works are by Goethe, and much earlier by Christopher Marlowe.
Bulgakov's 'The Master and Margarita' similarly weaves the Faustian legend into it's plot.
Goethe is the most widely recognised and quoted (by name and conceptually, rather than literally), but the original was written in German as a play/poem.
I am ashamed to admit, that I lack the inclination to attempt to learn early 19th century German in order to read the original.
I have found late 19th century translations of Goethe that are 'known' to retain the mitre of the original, but in all honesty, I find poetry hard going at the best of times (Milton's 'Paradise Lost' for example taxed me heavily), but translated poetry would surely be the death of me.
I am interested in any recommendations for a prose version that remains reasonably faithful to the original. Preferably in original English, or an English translation. Academic discussions may also be worth considering.
I will in any case be ordering a translation of Goethe's original (likely by Bayard Taylor), and may research into purchasing a copy of Marlowe's work as well.
Hotel Indigo said:
I can offer you the ur-text, perfect in every way - but it will cost you. What are you willing to sacrifice?
Regards,
S. A. Tan, Esq.,
De Vill Enterprises and Debt Adjustment.
Regards,
S. A. Tan, Esq.,
De Vill Enterprises and Debt Adjustment.
I really should have anticipated that!
Hotel Indigo said:
Sorry.
Can’t really help but would suggest Marlowe: a masterpiece, IMO, and on a par with anything Shakespeare wrote.
Thanks for the input.Can’t really help but would suggest Marlowe: a masterpiece, IMO, and on a par with anything Shakespeare wrote.
It seemed wise, regardless of the relative fame of Goethe's work, to give that go too.
I'll take that as positive confirmation of my bias. It's on the list for sure
Marlowe's plays are easy to find, and his Dr. Faustus is a fascinating play with the way that his relationship with Mephistopheles becomes in a sense symbiotic. Then there's some good knockabout anti- Catholic stuff too. As a teenager I recall seeing the film with Richard Burton as Faustus and Elizabeth Taylor as Helen of Troy.
Perseverant said:
Marlowe's plays are easy to find, and his Dr. Faustus is a fascinating play with the way that his relationship with Mephistopheles becomes in a sense symbiotic. Then there's some good knockabout anti- Catholic stuff too. As a teenager I recall seeing the film with Richard Burton as Faustus and Elizabeth Taylor as Helen of Troy.
Derby Shakespeare Company has just put on a production of this. Abridged version as it was only 1.5 hours ish.For a bunch of 'amateur thesps' it was pretty darn good, couldn't take my eyes away from the stage. The guy playing Faustus was superb.
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