Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship

Novel by Goethe published 1795–96. An outstanding example of the bildungsroman or novel of personal development, it describes Wilhelm's formative emotional experiences, including his time with a troupe of actors involved in a production of Hamlet. The book incorporates extended critical discussion of the play and some of Goethe's finest lyrics. An episodic sequel, Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre/Wilhelm Meister's Wandering Years was published in 1821 and in expanded form in 1829.