A tribute to the poet of freedom -

Friedrich Schiller

Friedrich Schiller devoted the whole of his literary and dramatic work to one central theme - freedom. His feeling for theatre made him one of the most important German play writers. That is why he has now joined the ranks of the great writers whom Montblanc honours each year with a valuable Limited Edition writing instrument, coveted by collectors the world over.

Legacy of an idealistic social critic

 

Schiller discovered his passion for writing at an early age. The dominant theme of his work, the freedom of the individual, emerged later, during his time as a reluctant medical student at a military academy. Though forbidden to do so, while he was there he wrote plays such as "The Robbers", the premiere of which was received with much acclaim, establishing his reputation as a great dramatist. Along with his lyric poetry, subsequenplays, like "Mary Stuart", "William Tell" and "Wallenstein", found an equally enthusiastic public, capturing as they do the spirit of a century of revolution and radical social change. 

The heart of these works is infused with an elemental cry for freedom and rebellion against the repression of the individual, captivating and entrancing audiences to this day. Two of his greatest admirers, both authors of great literary merit in their own right, have attempted to describe his genius and his work.

When Schiller died, his life-long friend Goethe said that half of his own life had died with him. And Thomas Mann Stated that the assumption that Schiller had become anachronistic and had no relevance for a modem audience was a view based on "prejudice and delusion".

A superlative writing instrument

for a superlative playwright

As a timeless figure in the theatre of the Enlightenment, Schiller was not

only a master of complex drama but also a prominent supporter of his age's striving for freedom. Which is why the Limited Edition features a material which in Schiller's day was seen as a symbol of radical social change – amber. A substance which was a source of fascination and inspiration in the quest to find answers to old questions.

Crafted with superb skill, amber, together with the simple elegance of the fine gold-plated trim, recalls the golden years of but the classical Weimar period. The resulting writing instruments are masterpieces with a unique beauty. The ivory-coloured Montblanc star adds the finishing touch to a writing instrument whose finely engraved 18 carat gold nib is embellished with a small crossbow, a reference to "William Tell", one of Schiller's best-known plays.