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John Fowles' Novel 'The Magus' Receives New German Translation for Author's Centenary

publication · 2026-04-04

A new German edition of John Fowles' novel 'The Magus' has been published to mark the author's 100th birthday. Originally released in 1965, this literary work became a significant text within the British counterculture movement of the 1960s. The story explores themes of manipulation and self-discovery, set on a Greek island. Despite its title suggesting magical elements, the book is not fantasy literature. It gained popularity among backpackers traveling to Greece, who often carried worn copies while seeking personal meaning and challenging authority. In German-speaking regions, the novel was widely read during the 1970s and 1980s. The previous German translation appeared in 2001, after which the book was out of print for some time. The new edition is being released by März Verlag, a publisher known for focusing on notable works of pop culture, including authors such as Ken Kesey and Kathy Acker. The novel's examination of psychological control and identity continues to maintain contemporary relevance.

Key facts

  • John Fowles' novel 'The Magus' has been reissued in a new German translation
  • The publication coincides with the author's 100th birthday
  • The book was first published in 1965
  • It is considered a key text of 1960s British counterculture
  • The story involves manipulation and self-discovery on a Greek island
  • The novel was popular among backpackers traveling to Greece
  • The previous German edition was published in 2001
  • The new edition is published by März Verlag

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • März Verlag

Locations

  • Greece
  • Germany

Sources