Publication of Goethe's Faust, Part One

Background. Faust is a tragic play in two parts by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, based on the German folk legend. Goethe completed a preliminary version of Part One in 1806. The work is considered Goethe's magnum opus and the greatest work of German literature. The publication in 1808 followed this completion and preceded later revised editions.

Publication. The first part of Goethe's celebrated drama was published in 1808, creating a sensation. The original German title page read 'Faust. / Eine Tragödie' ('Faust. / A Tragedy'). The supplied passages confirm the year and title content but do not specify the city of publication.

Reception. The publication of Faust Part One created a sensation. Although rarely staged in its entirety, the play has the largest audience numbers on German-language stages. It is widely regarded as Goethe's most influential work, contributing to his reputation as the most influential writer in the German language.