The “Uniting” Foundation Supports the Release of “Nathan the Wise” in a New Edition

The dramatic poem in five acts, Nathan the Wise by Gothold Ephraim Lessing, has been published by the Zinātne publishing house. The publication has been initiated and supported by the Uniting Foundation. The translation from German was done by Jānis Rainis, with a postscript by Jānis Zālītis.

“Equality – the most unshakable foundation of love.”

(G. E. Lessing)

Gothold Ephraim Lessing (1729 – 1781), a founder of German classical literature, poet, playwright, art theorist, and critic, was a prominent representative of the Enlightenment period. He was a humanist who fought against outdated ideas and prejudices, believed in the educating power of art, and advocated for the equality of all people. The crowning achievement of Lessing’s work is his dramatic poem Nathan the Wise (1779). The play is set in the late 12th century, during the time of the Crusades in Jerusalem. The three main characters – the Arab Sultan Saladin, a Christian knight taken prisoner, and the wealthy Jewish merchant Nathan, who is called “the Wise” by the people – represent three different nations and religions. Through the course of the play, the author challenges them to abandon their prejudices, show tolerance and magnanimity, and recognize the brotherhood that unites all people. Lessing believed that it was not one’s religious affiliation, but rather one’s actions, that were the true measure of a person’s worth.

“Although Lessing’s novel was written more than 240 years ago, it remains a profound, multifaceted, and highly relevant call for dialogue that transcends the boundaries of cultures and religions. This outstanding literary work encourages the overcoming of prejudices and the creation of a society based on values such as humanism, understanding, tolerance, and kindness. The Uniting Foundation is proud to highlight this timeless literary gem, which was once praised by Goethe and revived in Latvian by Rainis, as it inspires reflection on eternal and universal values that are more important than ever today,” says Elīna Škļara, Executive Director of the Uniting Foundation.

The book launch event will take place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 5:00 PM at the Rainis and Aspazija House, 30 Baznīcas Street, Riga. The event will feature the book’s creators and publishers, Dr. philol. Jānis Zālītis, actor and director Valdis Lūriņš.

The book is now available for purchase at the Zinātne bookstore (1 Akademijas Square, Riga) and on the website www.zinatnesgramatas.lv. It is also available at Jānis Roze bookstores and online.