426 - Ossian. Works. Edited by J.H. Merck. 4 parts in 2 volumes. Frankfurt and Leipzig, Fleischer, 1783. With 4 copperplate engravings (anonymous after a model by Goethe). Small octavo. Contemporary leather bindings with spine labels (somewhat bumped, spine label partly rubbed).

Ossian. Works. Edited by J.H. Merck. 4 parts in 2 volumes. Frankfurt and Leipzig, Fleischer, 1783. With 4 copperplate engravings (anonymous after a model by Goethe). Small octavo. Contemporary leather bindings with spine labels (somewhat bumped, spine label partly rubbed). Schulte/Strathaus 141, 7b; Tombo, Ossian in Germany, pages 23.] Second expanded edition, it was augmented compared to the edition published jointly with Goethe in 1773/77 by John Clark's 'An answer to Mr. Shaw's inquiry into the authenticity of the poems ...' and thus reflects the growing discussion about the authenticity of the Ossian poems. The significance of Ossian's works, only later definitively proven to be forgeries, for German literature of the time can hardly be overestimated. In view of the numerous translations and imitations already existing at that time, Goethe and Merck considered knowledge of the original text indispensable.