The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust' (eBook)

H. B. Cotterill, an accomplished literary figure, is renowned for his authoritative work on German literature, most notably the Faustian literature. His seminal book, 'The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust'' stands as a significant contribution to the understanding of the evolution of the Faust legend and its immortalization by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Cotterill delves deeply into the historical and philosophical roots of the legend, tracing its trajectory from early-modern folklore to its pinnacle in Goethe's dramatic masterpiece. His analysis is marked by scholarly rigor and a profound appreciation for the intersections of history, myth, and literature. Cotterill's style is characterized by a lucid and insightful investigation of themes such as the quest for knowledge, the nature of temptation, and the struggle between good and evil—central to the human experience as reflected in the Faust narrative. While details on Cotterill's personal life and broader literary contributions remain scant, his work on the Faust legend continues to be a vital reference point for scholars, demonstrating a mastery of critique and interpretation that enriches readers' encounters with one of the West's most enduring literary creations.