Wolframs Willehalm: Studien zur Epenstruktur und zum Heiligkeitsbegriff der ausgehenden Blütezeit

Bumke, Joachim. Wolframs Willehalm: Studien zur Epenstruktur und zum Heiligkeitsbegriff der ausgehenden Blütezeit. Heidelberg: Carl Winter – Universitätsverlag, 1959. First edition. Quarto. 207, [1]pp. Uncut. Original printed wrappers with publisher’s logo on front cover and title page. Remarkable study on Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Willehalm (c. 1210-20), one of the great epic creations of the Middle Ages. Its account of conflict between Christian and Muslim cultures, centering on the warrior-saint Willehalm and his wife Gyburc, a convert from Islam, challenges the ideology of the Crusades. It celebrates the heroism, faith, and family solidarity of the Christians, but also displays the suffering of both sides in the war and questions the justification of all killing. Gyburc, whose abandonment of her Muslim family and conversion to Christianity are the immediate cause of the war, bears a double burden of sorrow, and it is from her that springs a vision of humanity transcending religious differences that is truly remarkable for its time. Wrappers sunned on spine and along edges. Previous owner’s name on half-title. Very minor age-toning along paper margin. Text in German. Wrappers in overall fair to good-, interior in good+ to very good condition. g. Softcover. (34491) $50