Originally written in German, Oberon is a very long form heroic poem. Huon of Bordeux, a mighty but flawed French crusader with Charlemagne, has many adventures in the Middle East and during his difficult journey home. Oberon duels. He is attacked and kills his attacker, leading to a curse. Oberon meets a Muslim woman. They fall in love, and she converts. They are hunted, imprisoned, escape, and nearly starve on a magical island in the Mediterranean. After several amazing adventures and having overcome the curse the couple returns to France where Huon is welcomed as a hero. This edition is a rare John Quincy Adams first edition. When JQA was named ambassador to Germany, he did not speak the language. JQA set out to learn and master it. As part of his advanced studies, he translated Wieland's popular epic poem, Oberon, from the original German. Before JQA could have his work published, another translation of the poem into English was published. Those that were allowed to read JQA's translation considered it superior to this newly published translation. Despite this feedback, JQA never published his version of the translation and JQA's version languished for 100 years. Funded by a grant from the Oberlaender Trust, Cornell Professor (Emeritus) of German Albert B. Faust set out to publish JQA’s translation of Oberon, thus creating an Adams first edition over 100 years after his death. 1000 copies of the book were published and sold primarily via subscription through the German departments of Cornell, DePauw, Wells, Colgate, USC, Cincinnati, and Princeton. Sections of the book include: *Historical notes on Weiland and Adams by Faust *Notes on the various translations of the poem into English by Faust *Extracts from the diary and letters of Adams regarding the poem *Adams’ non-poetical explanation of the story told in the poem. *The translation by Adams *Faust’s notes explaining some of the text This edition also includes four illustrations.