by H. B.
About this book
The Faust-Legend and Goethe's 'Faust' by H. B. offers a lively, erudite guide to one of Western literature’s most enduring myths, following the Faust story from its medieval roots to Goethe’s visionary drama. Drawing on a series of public lectures, H. B. interweaves myth, legend and literary criticism to explain how folktale, moral allegory and cultural history shaped Goethe’s two-part masterpiece without ever spoiling its dramatic surprises.
You’ll find clear comparisons between the old Faust legend and Goethe’s treatments in Part I and Part II, accessible English renderings of key German passages, and thoughtful context on themes such as temptation, knowledge, redemption, and the changing moral imagination of Europe. The tone is conversational yet scholarly, ideal for listeners who want a compact literary history rather than heavy academic jargon.
Perfect for fans of myths/legends and classic literature, students preparing to read or teach Faust, and anyone curious about the cultural forces behind great works, this audiobook illuminates Goethe’s play and its legendary antecedents with clarity and wit, making a complex subject approachable and engaging.