Achim von Arnim and Clemens Brentano, 1806-08

ARNIM, Ludwig Achim von (1781-1831) and Clemens BRENTANO (1778-1842). Des Knaben Wunderhorn. Heidelberg: Mohr und Zimmer, 1806-1808.

First edition of this famous collection of folk poetry published by Arnim, together with Brentano, while he was a student at the University of Heidelberg. The title, Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Boy’s Magic Horn) derives from the opening poem, which tells of a youth who brings the empress a magic horn. This fine example of German Romanticism was admired by many, including Wilhelm Grimm and, later, Gustav Mahler, who would publish a work of the same name in 1905. The first volume (published 1805, dated 1806) was dedicated to Goethe, who reviewed it appreciatively. Achim and Bettina von Arnim's youngest child, Gisela (1827-1889), would marry Wilhelm Grimm's son, Herman, and become an author of folk stories herself, with members of her circle including Hans Christian Andersen. Des Knaben Wunderhorn was completed in 1808. With appendix "Kinderlieder" ("Children's Songs") at end of vol. 3.

Three volumes, octavo (200 x 120mm). Half titles in vols. 2 & 3, engraved titles and printed titles present in all three. Contemporary half morocco over marbled boards (repairs to spines and labels; vol. 1 not uniform with others). Provenance: inscription excised from front endpaper – Christian Winthur (ownership inscription) – ownership inscription in ink to half title of volume 2.