The Piccolomini

About

The Piccolomini is the second part of Schiller's Wallenstein trilogy — coming between Wallenstein's Camp and The Death of Wallenstein — in which the political machinery of Wallenstein's fall is set in motion: young Max Piccolomini discovers his idol Wallenstein has been negotiating treason, and faces the impossible choice between loyalty to his commander and loyalty to the Emperor. The love between Max and Wallenstein's daughter Thekla adds personal stakes to the political tragedy. Coleridge translated this part of the trilogy, making it accessible to English readers alongside The Death of Wallenstein.