Faust: First Part

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

English language

Published May 20, 1988

ISBN:: 978-0-553-21348-5

(35 reviews)

Faust is a tragic play in two parts by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, usually known in English as Faust, Part One and Faust, Part Two. Although rarely staged in its entirety, it is the play with the largest audience numbers on German-language stages. Faust is considered by many to be Goethe's magnum opus and the greatest work of German literature.The earliest forms of the work, known as the Urfaust, were developed between 1772 and 1775; however, the details of that development are not entirely clear. Urfaust has twenty-two scenes, one in prose, two largely prose and the remaining 1,441 lines in rhymed verse. The manuscript is lost, but a copy was discovered in 1886.The first appearance of the work in print was Faust, a Fragment, published in 1790. Goethe completed a preliminary version of what is now known as Part One in 1806. Its publication in 1808 was followed by the revised 1828–29 edition, the last to be edited by Goethe himself. Goethe finished writing Faust, Part Two in 1831; it was published posthumously the following year. In contrast to Faust, Part One, the focus here is no longer on the soul of Faust, which has been sold to the devil, but rather on social phenomena such as psychology, history and politics, in addition to mystical and philosophical topics. The second part formed the principal occupation of Goethe's last years.

24 editions

Aστραίᾱ reviewed Faust: First Part by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Review of 'Faust: First Part' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

wasn't expecting this to be as funny as it was???

in the beginning, I was expecting an extremely serious tale about the limitations of human knowledge that could be breached through supernatural means, in this case, a pact with the Devil. But it turned out to be much more.

I must admit that I did enjoy the initial happenings, especially Faust's persistence in demonstrating how his study and academic position had with time transformed themselves into chains that imprison him and make it impossible for him to truly emerge himself in life's 'delights'. (I could also go on about the contrasts between Faust and Wagner, decrepit recognition of the futility of human knowledge, and youthfully energetic search for the yet unknown, but I must still reflect on some aspects present in the text).

I adored Mephistopheles, he is indeed the life of the party, my guy made me giggle every 4 pages, if the opportunity showed itself I would have coffee with him, and gossip about the people around us in ancient languages.

The ball scenes automatically reminded me of "The Master and Margarita", which is no surprise since it was heavily influenced by Goethe's Faust.

Lesson of the day: during the night, if you see a pug running in circles in the forest while leaving trails of fire upon its path, take it with you, best chance scenario it's the Devil's agent Mephistopheles and he might be up for a bargain.

decadent_and_depraved reviewed Faust - A Tragedy in Two Parts and the Urfaust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Review of 'Faust - A Tragedy in Two Parts and the Urfaust' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Ah! Now I’ve done Philosophy,
I’ve finished Law and Medicine,
And sadly even Theology:
Taken fierce pains, from end to end.
Now here I am, a fool for sure,
No wiser than I was before!

Nataša Pantović reviewed Faust: First Part by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

None

5 stars

A Deal with the Devil, A Journey Through the Soul — Goethe’s Timeless Masterpiece

Faust: First Part is a literary triumph — bold, complex, and deeply human. Goethe takes us into the mind of a man who dares to question everything, even at the cost of his soul. It’s a story about ambition, knowledge, temptation, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow.

The poetry is rich, the themes profound, and the emotional range staggering. From Faust’s existential despair to his passionate love for Gretchen, Goethe doesn’t shy away from the darkness—but he never forgets the possibility of redemption.

Reading this feels like looking into the mirror of the human condition. It’s philosophy wrapped in drama, myth wrapped in meaning. And Mephistopheles? One of the most fascinating characters ever written — charming, cynical, unforgettable.

Five stars for this monumental work of art. A book that asks the big questions—and dares …