The Awakening of Spring. A Tragedy of Childhood

Philadelphia: Brown Brothers, 1910. Cloth. Good. Second edition, stated. Reddish brown cloth. 161 pp., plus ads. Translated from the German by Francis J. Ziegler. English language edition of this early German modernist drama, being rather controversial due to its subject matter. The play explores teenage sexuality, puberty, masturbation, homoeroticism, sadomasochism, rape, sexual abuse and suicide, while criticizing society's treatment of sexuality in teenagers. Due to its perceived controversial nature, the play was often banned and censored, and received very little performances. It has been recently translated by Jonathan Franzen, and a Broadway musical adaption in 2006 earned eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Frank Wedekind was a German playwright and actor, whose work influenced German expressionism and who often explored sexuality in his work. GOOD condition. Faint spotting and staining to the covers, mostly along the front cover fore edge. Minor soiling, fading and scuffing. Extremities bumped and scuffed. Owner's name on the inside front cover. Text block a bit weak but solid.