This eBook was produced by David Widger, widger@cecomet.net
THE WORKS
OF
FREDERICK SCHILLER
Translated from the German
Illustrated
PREFACE TO THE EDITION.
The present is the best collected edition of the important works ofSchiller which is accessible to readers in the English language.Detached poems or dramas have been translated at various times sincethe first publication of the original works; and in several instancesthese versions have been incorporated into this collection. Schillerwas not less efficiently qualified by nature for an historian than fora dramatist. He was formed to excel in all departments of literature,and the admirable lucidity of style and soundness and impartiality ofjudgment displayed in his historical writings will not easily besurpassed, and will always recommend them as popular expositions of theperiods of which they treat.
Since the publication of the first English edition many corrections andimprovements have been made, with a view to rendering it as acceptableas possible to English readers; and, notwithstanding the disadvantagesof a translation, the publishers feel sure that Schiller will beheartily acceptable to English readers, and that the influence of hiswritings will continue to increase.
THE HISTORY OF THE REVOLT OF THE NETHERLANDS was translated by Lieut.E. B. Eastwick, and originally published abroad for students' use. Butthis translation was too strictly literal for general readers. It hasbeen carefully revised, and some portions have been entirely rewrittenby the Rev. A. J. W. Morrison, who also has so ably translated theHISTORY OF THE THIRTY YEARS WAR.
THE CAMP OF WALLENSTEIN was translated by Mr. James Churchill, and firstappeared in "Frazer's Magazine." It is an exceedingly happy version ofwhat has always been deemed the most untranslatable of Schiller's works.
THE PICCOLOMINI and DEATH OF WALLENSTEIN are the admirable version ofS. T. Coleridge, completed by the addition of all those passages whichhe has omitted, and by a restoration of Schiller's own arrangement ofthe acts and scenes. It is said, in defence of the variations whichexist between the German original and the version given by Coleridge,that he translated from a prompter's copy in manuscript, before thedrama had been printed, and that Schiller himself subsequently alteredit, by omitting some passages, adding others, and even engraftingseveral of Coleridge's adaptations.
WILHELM TELL is translated by Theodore Martin, Esq., whose well-knownposition as a writer, and whose special acquaintance with Germanliterature make any recommendation superfluous.
DON CARLOS is translated by R. D. Boylan, Esq., and, in the opinion ofcompetent judges, the version is eminently successful. Mr. TheodoreMartin kindly gave some assistance, and, it is but justice to state,has enhanced the value of the work by his judicious suggestions.
The translation of MARY STUART is that by the late Joseph Mellish,who appears to have been on terms of intimate friendship with Schiller.His version was made from the prompter's copy, before the play waspublished, and, like Coleridge's Wallenstein, contains many passages notfound in the printed edition. These are distinguished by brackets. Onthe other hand, Mr. Mellish omitted many passages which now form part ofthe pr