When you hear the name Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, you probably think of thick plays like Nathan the Wise or essays on religious tolerance. He's a pillar of the German Enlightenment, a thinker. Lieder von Lessing (Songs of Lessing) shows us the man behind the monument. This collection gathers his lyrical poems and songs, many of which were set to music by contemporaries like C.P.E. Bach. It's Lessing unplugged.

The Story

There isn't a single plot. Think of it as a playlist from the 1700s. The 'songs' cover a wide range. Some are light and charming, celebrating friendship, a glass of wine, or the beauty of a summer day. Others are love poems, ranging from playful flirtation to deeper affection. Then, of course, you get flashes of the Lessing we know—poems that champion reason, criticize hypocrisy, or reflect on freedom. But even these big ideas are often wrapped in clear, musical language. The collection doesn't tell a story so much as it paints a portrait of a complete person: the philosopher, the friend, the critic, and the romantic.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this because it made Lessing real. History books flatten people into their ideas. This book rounds him out. You see his wit in a satirical song about fashion, his warmth in a tribute to a friend, and his conviction in a hymn to liberty. It's accessible. You don't need a philosophy degree; you just need to appreciate clear, thoughtful writing. Reading these poems feels like listening in on a private concert in a Leipzig coffeehouse. It reminds you that the giants of history had moods, hobbies, and sang songs after dinner. For me, it deepened my appreciation for his more famous works, knowing the playful and passionate heart they came from.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect little book for a curious reader. It's great for poetry fans who want to explore beyond the usual English canon. It's essential for anyone studying Lessing or the Enlightenment—it's a crucial piece of the puzzle. But most of all, it's for people who love seeing the human side of history. If you think the 18th century was all powdered wigs and stiff formalities, Lessing's songs will surprise you with their freshness and feeling. It's a short, sweet, and revealing companion to a great mind.