First edition of Goethe's lyrical poems inspired by the work of the great Persian poet Hafez (ca. 1325-1390). The work was intended to enact a dialogue between Eastern and Western poetry, but also captures Goethe's feelings for the Austrian dancer Marianne von Willemer (1784-1860), who wrote some of the poems. It is the most famous interaction with Eastern poetry in German Romantic literature, and includes some of the best poems of Goethe's later years.
The present work is Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's (1749-1832) last great cycle of poetry. He became inspired for it after reading Joseph von Hammer's translation of Hafez's Divan (collection) in 1814. Goethe's work is divided in twelve books, which are each centred around a different theme, like Usch Nameh (the book of love), Mathal Nameh (the book of parables), and Hafis Nameh (the book of Hafez). Together they describe Goethe's fictitious journey to the East. The work starts as a lyrical discussion between Goethe and Hafez, but later expands to encompass East and West. The second half of the work contains Goethe's explanatory essay on his oriental studies, which he undertook in preparation for the present work.
The present edition is the second printing of the first edition, which can be recognised by printing mistakes in the pagination, and corrections on page 7 and 9. A second, enlarged edition was published in 1827.
With a contemporary ownership inscription on the back of the frontispiece, and the bookplate of H.A. Knofe loosely inserted. The edges and corners of the boards are scuffed and the corners are slightly bumped. The work is slightly foxed throughout, pages 495 and 496 have been omitted in the pagination, and page numbers 399 and 400 have been used twice, which are printing mistakes, as there are no missing leaves. Otherwise in good condition. Goedeke IV, pp. 561-563.