Henry Von Ofterdingen: A Novel - Softcover

Novalis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0881335746 ISBN 13: 9780881335743

Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc, 1990

Synopsis

A strange, ingenious novel, the most representative work of early German Romanticism! This extraordinary fusion of novel, fairy tale, and poem, published posthumously in 1802, is the most representative work of early German Romanticism. It reflects, in part, events in the life of its author, who is best known for his Hymns to the Night. Young Henry, a medieval poet who seeks the mysterious Blue Flower with the lovely face of the yet unknown Mathilda, sets out on a journey that is interspersed with beautiful tales and exquisite songs. Henry's "education," as he catches first glimpses of the world, is of special interest to students of philosophy as well as literature, for ingeniously involved in literary form is the crux of Fichte's mysticism. Novalis, like Rouseeau, makes an interesting contribution to the "supreme realism" that transcends the ordinary. Henry von Ofterdingen is an important landmark in the history of literature and the most distinguished work of its brilliant and tragic author.

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Goethe, Gotz von Berlichingen: A Play (ISBN 9780881335415); Hauptmann, Three Plays [The Weavers, Hannele, and The Beaver Coat] (ISBN 9780881335408); and Plenzdorf, The New Sufferings of Young W. (ISBN 9780881338911).

About this title

From the Back Cover

A gem of German Romanticism, this literary landmark continues to enchant readers with its combination of poetic and fairy tale elements. The young hero of this unfinished experimental novel envisions a blue flower that represents desire, love, and the metaphysical longing for the infinite. He travels the world in pursuit of his dream, discovering that poetry is everywhere for those who can perceive it.
Author Friedrich von Hardenberg―better known as Novalis (1772–1801)―was a poet and philosopher who worked closely with Friedrich Schlegel and Ludwig Tieck. Novalis's influence extended to Hermann Hesse and Jorge Luis Borges, and the "blue flower" motif that he originated in Henry von Ofterdingen has appeared in the works of C. S. Lewis and George R. R. Martin. This edition features a Life of the Author and an Afterword by Ludwig Tieck.

About the Author

Born Friedrich von Hardenberg, Novalis (1772–1801) was a poet, novelist, and philosopher. An important figure in early German Romanticism, he worked closely with Friedrich Schlegel and Ludwig Tieck, and his influence extended to Hermann Hesse and Jorge Luis Borges. The "blue flower" motif that originated in Henry von Ofterdingen has appeared in the works of C. S. Lewis and George R. R. Martin.

Edition details

• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0881335746
• ISBN 13: 9780881335743
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 169