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First edition. Hannover. Privately printed. Original paper boards, with label to spine. pp [ii], 186 [4] (blank), [8] (List of subscribers). Occasional foxing, particularly to opening pages. Eckermann (1792-1854) became well-known as Goethe s amanuensis, and the author of Gespraeche mit Goethe, which was one of the most important works of literary biography of the nineteenth century. A self-made man, these poems were produced and published by him when he was in his final year as a mature student at the Gymnasium in Hannover. It was through his writings that he was able to attract Goethe s attention, and he eventually became associated intimately with him for the final decades of his life. In this, the very rare first production, he publishes a number of poems, divided in Lieder (pages 5-61); Vermischte Gedichte (65-120); Sprueche (123-137); Epistel (141-182). There is clear evidence of his talents, particularly in the Lieder; Der Abend feiert, das Wasser rauscht, Ich wandle im Garten allein, Den fernen Tönen der Liebende lauscht, Bei stillem Abendschein (Liebesdrang, page 28). The subscribers are drawn from a wide geographical range, including Altona, Bremen, Dresden, Goettingen, Hamburg, Hannover, and so on. Not often found in this true first edition, all the more so in the original boards, with examples in the UK only in the BL, and Oxford: indeed it may be said to be a true rarity. Seller Inventory # ABE-1597526905979
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