Which Edition

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Faust

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Cover of Faust, translated by David Luke
Best for most

David Luke · 1987

David Luke's Oxford translation won the European poetry-translation prize and is the standard — rhymed verse that keeps Goethe's meaning without going archaic or slangy, about as close to an 'equivalent' as English gets. Part One is where you start (Part Two is a separate volume). This is where I'd start.

Cover of Faust, translated by Walter Kaufmann
German alongside

Walter Kaufmann · 1961

Walter Kaufmann's Anchor edition prints the German facing the English — Part One complete, with selections from Part Two (he argued against translating all of Part Two). The choice if you read some German or want to check the original. Keeps Goethe's meters.

Cover of Faust, translated by Martin Greenberg
Strong alternative

Martin Greenberg · 1992

Martin Greenberg's Yale translation is another well-regarded verse version, praised for energy and clarity. A solid alternative to Luke.

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