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Arriving at the family manor, the Major scarcely recognizes his tall, elegant niece as she rushes out to greet him. Surprise soon turns to satisfaction as he learns that she has confessed to being in love with him—and he a 50-year-old man! Instantly turning his attention to his appearance, he determines to transform himself into a suitable lover for a young girl. But he must also make his confession to his son, for whom his niece was originally promised. Rather conveniently, however, his son has also succumbed to love—and with an older woman. All would seem to be well—until the new-look Major meets his son’s paramour. Author of Faust and The Sorrows of Young Werther, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is regarded as the founder of modern German literature.

Released in 1829, Goethe's novella tells the story of a 50-year-old man who endeavors to appear young after his niece reveals her love for him. Amidst the humor, however, are true ponderings upon old age. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.