Reconsiders the role played by mimesis - and by Goethe's Wilhelm Meister as a mimetic work - in the novels of Early German Romanticism. Mimesis, or the imitation of nature, is one of the most important concepts in eighteenth-century German literary aesthetics. As the century progressed, classical mimeticism came increasingly under attack, though it also held its position in the works of Goethe, Schiller, and Moritz. Much recent scholarship construes Early German Romanticism's refutation of mimeticism as its single distinguishing trait: the Romantics' conception of art as the very negationof the ideal of imitation. In this view, the Romantics saw art as production (poiesis): imaginative, musical, transcendent. Mattias Pirholt's book not only problematizes this view of Romanticism, but also shows that reflections on mimesis are foundational for the German Romantic novel, as is Goethe's great pre-Romantic novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship. Among the novels examined are Friedrich Schlegel's Lucinde, shown to be transgressive in its use of the aesthetics of imitation; Novalis's Heinrich von Ofterdingen, interpreted as an attempt to construct the novel as a self-imitating world; and Clemens Brentano's Godwi, seen to signal the endof Early Romanticism, both fulfilling and ironically deconstructing the self-reflective mimeticism of the novels that came before it. Mattias Pirholt is a Research Fellow in the Department of Literature at Uppsala University, Sweden.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 'Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship' and 'Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years' are two seminal works that delve into the coming-of-age journey of the titular character, Wilhelm Meister. These novels are often regarded as early examples of the Bildungsroman genre, focusing on the personal and intellectual growth of the protagonist as he navigates the various challenges and opportunities that life presents. Goethe's writing style is characterized by its rich symbolism, philosophical depth, and keen observation of human nature, making these works a compelling read for those interested in psychological and moral introspection. The novels also offer a poignant portrayal of German society in the late 18th century, shedding light on the cultural and political milieu of the time as experienced by a young man seeking his place in the world.Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a prominent figure in German literature and philosophy, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations to create the intricate tapestry of Wilhelm Meister's narrative. His multifaceted talents as a poet, playwright, and novelist are evident in the depth and complexity of the characters and themes explored in these works. Goethe's profound understanding of human nature and his ability to evoke empathy and introspection in readers contribute to the enduring relevance of Wilhelm Meister's story in the literary canon.For readers seeking a thought-provoking exploration of personal growth, societal norms, and the complexities of human relationships, Goethe's 'Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship' and 'Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years' come highly recommended. These novels offer a captivating blend of philosophical insight, literary artistry, and emotional depth that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Goethe was a master of the short prose form. His two narrative cycles, Conversations of German Refugees and Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years, both written during a high point of his career, address various social issues and reveal his experimentation with narrative and perspective. A traditional cycle of novellas, Conversations of German Refugees deals with the impact and significance of the French Revolution and suggests Goethe's ideas on the social function of his art. Goethe's last novel, Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years, is a sequel to Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship and to Conversations of German Refugees and is considered to be his most remarkable novel in form.

First published by Wordsworth Editions 1999 and 2007. First published by Princeton University Press in 2016.

Although some of the most distinguished German novels written since about 1770 are generally considered to be Bildungsromane, the term Bildungsroman is all too frequently used in English without an awareness of the tradition from which it arose. Professor Swales concentrates on the roles of plot, characterization, and narrative commentary in novels by Wieland, Goethe, Stifter, Keller, Mann, and Hesse. By pointing out that the goal in each work is both elusive and problematic, he suggests a previously unsuspected ironic intent. His analysis adds to our awareness of the potentialities inherent in the novel. Originally published in 1978. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.