Publisher Description

Designed expressly for the beginning German language student, here is an outstanding collection of fifty-two short stories, poems, essays, and anecdotes. Each selection has been specially chosen for its power to evoke German life and culture. This dual-language edition features precise English translations on pages that face the original German text. New students will enjoy the pleasure of reading great German literature from the very first page, as the selections have been arranged to accommodate the gradual improvement of language skills. Helpful vocabulary and language exercises are also included. First German Reader features the works of many of Germany's best writers, including Goethe, Hesse, Heine, Schiller, Holderlin, and other literary virtuosos. The translations of Harry Steinhauer are vivid and true to the originals - and poetic in their own right. Literature lovers, German language students, and other readers will find this volume an accessible exploration of German literature . . . and an invaluable aid to mastering the German language.

Author Biography

A native of Cracow, Poland, Harry Steinhauer was Professor Emeritus and Founding Chair of the Germanic, Slavic, and Semitic Studies Department at the University of Santa Barbara.

Table of Contents

Preface 1. Johann Gottfried Herder, Life 2. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, The Phoenix 3. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Wanderer's Night Song 4. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, The Benefactions 5. Albrecht Goes, The Steps 6. Johann Peter Hebel, Gratitude and Ingratitude of Children 7. Bruder Grimm, The Little Peasant in Heaven 8. Hermann Hesse, In the Mist 9. Hermann Hesse, Trees 10. Walter Bauer, Yearning for What 11. Bruder Grimm, The Life Span 12. On Germany: 1. Country and People 13. Wilhelm Schmidtbonn, The Ferryman and the Monk 14. Thoughts I 15. Heinrich Heine, There Was an Old King 16. On Germany: 2. Economics 17. Otto Ludwig, Fortune and Misfortune 18. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Lynkeus' Song 19. Walter Bauer, Bach 20. On Germany: 3. The Social Structure; 4. Culture 21. Thoughts II 22. Wilhelm Muller, The Linden Tree 23. The Dangers of Translating 24. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, May Song 25. Fritz Mauthner, The School of Giving and the School of Taking 26. Eduard Morike, September Morning 27. About the German Language 28. Walter Bauer, Kant 29. Wilhelm Busch, The Indispensable One 30. On Germany: 5. Art; 6. Balance Sheet 31. Eduard Morike, Seclusion 32. Thoughts III 33. Goethe 34. Peter Rosegger, When Winter Comes 35. Walter Bauer, Martin Luther 36. Theodor Storm, Close Both My Eyes 37. Kurt Tucholsky, What We Are Proud of in Europe 38. Heinrich Heine, The Silesian Weavers 39. Johann Peter Hebel, Kannitverstan 40. German Philosophy 41. Friedrich von Schiller, The Glove 42. Peter Bamm, In Memoriam Rockefeller 43. Matthias Claudius, Of Friendship 44. Paul Ernst, The Bed 45. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Autumnal Feeling 46. Waldemar Bonsels, The Grasshopper 47. William Shakespeare, Hamlet's Monologue 48. Thoughts IV 49. Herbert Eulenberg, Walt Whitman 50. August Graf von Platen, Tristan 51. Ludwig Borne, On Social Intercourse 52. Friedrich Holderlin, The Half of Life Notes Questions Vocabulary

Long Description

Specially chosen for their power to evoke German life and culture, these short, simple readings include poems, stories, essays, and anecdotes. Featured authors include Goethe, Hesse, Heine, Schiller, and H

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