Wilhelm Tell

By Friedrich Schiller, Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller, Richard Alexander Von Minckwitz, et al.

Book Overview

Discover the timeless tale of "Wilhelm Tell," a gripping story of heroism and Swiss independence that has captivated readers for generations. This classic work, now republished by Alpha Editions, invites you to journey into the heart of Swiss folklore, where the legendary marksman William Tell becomes a symbol of resistance against tyranny. In this thrilling narrative, Tell s extraordinary skill in archery not only showcases his bravery but also ignites a spark of rebellion among his fellow countrymen. As he confronts the oppressive forces of the Habsburgs, the themes of freedom, courage, and the quest for justice resonate powerfully, making this adventure novel a profound exploration of the human spirit. This edition of "Wilhelm Tell" is not merely a reprint; it has been meticulously restored for today s and future generations, ensuring that this cultural treasure remains accessible to all. Perfect for casual readers and classic literature collectors alike, this book stands as a unique literary artifact that honors its historical significance while appealing to modern sensibilities. Embrace the allure of this literary classic and add a piece of history to your collection. Whether you re drawn by the thrilling archery tales or the rich tapestry of Swiss independence, "Wilhelm Tell" promises to inspire and ignite your imagination like never before.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 936839847X
• ISBN13: 9789368398479
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Alpha Edition
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Interesting

This was apparently Schiller's most popular work during the 19th century with many, many performances in Germany in the century after his death. In the form of Rossini's famous opera, it probably reached an even wider audience. To modern audiences, however, this play has less appeal. Schiller's celebration of romantic nationalism and ethnic solidarity seems almost cliched. This is not a criticism of Schiller's writing but a reflection of the extent to which nationalist assumptions have penetrated our culture. Its difficult to look at this play in the way that 19th century audiences in a Germany still fragmented on the basis of feudal political structures must have seen it. At the same time, Schiller was able to appeal to Liberal, reformist traditions by stressing the importance of individual freedom and dignity. The stagecraft of this play is impressive and Schiller includes enough psychological detail to prevent the characters from being stick figures. The dialogue is not Schiller's best work and some parts come across as bombastic. Well worth reading but this work will be of most interest to those interested in Schiller, German literature, or 19th century European history.

An immortal tale about freedom

In this book, Schiller takes the old legend of Wilhelm Tell and gives it the shape and structure of a novel. It is a wonderful tale about Tell, a mountain man who is very angry at the despotic and cruel ways in which Gessler, the representative of the hated Austrians, treats the peaceful Swiss people. Tell refuses to give in to Gessler's mischievous way, suffers a lot (remember that he has to shoot an arrow to an apple standing over his son's head) and eventually leads his people in a revolt against the Austrians. If this is perhaps not accurate history, it is the stuff national prides are made of. One thing to pay attention to is the marvelous scenery, the very old towns with their downtown parks, the mountainous Swiss Alps surrounding the small cities, and helping Wilhelm Tell escape Gessler's guardsmen. Schiller, as one of the leaders of the Romantic movement, creates a great story out of an old legend, giving shape to one of the most famous stories, justifiedly so.

A great piece of Swiss History, told by a great author.

Wilhelm Tell is a great story of courage, friendship, and the will to help those who are in need. It is a great translations, but if you can, read it in it's original form of German, there are always, lines which are impossible to translate from one language to another.