Götz von Berlichingen Series: World Literature for Children Title: Götz von Berlichingen Original Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Retold by: Barbara Kindermann Artist: Bernd Mölck-Tassel Extent: 36 pp, 4/c throughout Format: 220 x 300 mm Pub. price: EUR 15,50 Pub. date: Autumn 2004 German ISBN: 978-3-934029-13-2 Ages: 7 and up

Material available: German review copy

THE STORY:

The castle of Jagsthausen is a preferred meeting-place of noble knights. It´s landlord, Götz von Berlichingen, known as the knight with the iron fist, is an amiable man who likes a good drink and a good fight. His current dispute with the bishop of Bamberg and some dishonest merchants is escalating. When they finally meet, a merciless fight develops. Barbara Kindermann´s narration puts the young reader right in the middle of the struggle.

THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR:

J.W. von Goethe (1749-1832) is considered to be the most important German poet. The writing of Götz von Berlichingen set new standards: For the first time an authentic historic figure was brought to stage. Moreover, motive, style and structure of the play were revolutionary, because Goethe abandoned the binding french theatre-standards of unity of place, time and action, which were usual in those days. Even today, Götz von Berlichingen is a popular play in most theatres.

THE ARTIST:

Bernd Mölck-Tassel is holding a professorship at the Hamburg Academy of Art. For his illustrations of the children‘s book „Pozor“ he was nominated for the „Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis“ and won the „Troisdorfer Bilderbuchpreis“. In Götz von Berlichingen Bernd Mölck-Tassel‘s fascinating, modern illustrations capture the atmosphere of the Middle Age in a marvellous way.