Goethe in French: Faust, Werther and ancient editions

Faust in French

Nerval’s translation, revised by him on several occasions, was reprinted throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The original 1828 edition is rare; later editions remain accessible. Delacroix illustrated Faust with seventeen lithographs published in 1828; in the 20th century, Edy Legrand produced an illustrated edition.

Plays, novels, and memoirs

19th-century France translated Goethe’s plays, including Götz von Berlichingen, and his Memoirs, published in French in 1823. The Bibliothèque de la Pléiade compiles his novels into a single volume, a fine reading edition.

Goethe as seen by Léon Blum

Goethe’s conversations with Eckermann inspired the young Léon Blum to write his New Conversations of Goethe with Eckermann, first published in La Revue blanche. A copy bearing a presentation inscription by Léon Blum is worth significantly more than an ordinary copy: a prime example of how an inscription enhances a book’s value.

Condition and pricing

For a 19th-century translation, the binding and paper freshness are paramount; for an illustrated book, the print run and paper quality, as indicated in the colophon, are key. As of November 2026, our Goethe works range from approximately £25 to £470.

Frequently asked questions

Which early translation of Faust should I choose?

Gérard de Nerval’s is the most renowned, frequently reprinted and illustrated. Check the title to confirm whether it is the first part of Faust alone or both parts.

Does a presentation inscription affect a Goethe book’s value?

Yes, especially when inscribed by a figure like Léon Blum. The recipient’s name and the copy’s condition also matter.

Do you buy Goethe books?

Yes. The bookseller provides free estimates based on photos for early translations, illustrated editions, and copies with inscriptions.

To go further

• William Shakespeare in early French translations.
• Autograph inscription: how to recognise, authenticate, and assess value.
• The original 1931 Pléiade Schiffrin edition.
• Antiquarian theatre books.
• Selling and valuing your antiquarian books.