Holderlin and Goethe

Eudo C. Mason (1901-1969) left a posthumus study the originality of which still surprises although it was written twenty years ago. Mason provides a subtle analysis of Goethe’s impact on Hoelderlin and offers a stimulating comparison of the similarities in the work of the two poets. But he also studies the relationship between Schiller and Hoelderlin and casts a new light on the friendship between Goethe and Schiller. His study is characterised by a thorough knowledge of the writings of other scholars, by a robust common sense, by an incisive argument and by a lively style, as was to be expected of any work from the pen of this eminent Rilke-scholar. Thus, Mason’s study is an important contribution to our understanding of German classical literature.