"This is the most complete, most readable, and most reliable collection of Schiller’s works" in existence, said René Strien, program director for Aufbau.

In addition to Schiller’s most famous dramatic works, among them "Maria Stuart" and "Wilhelm Tell," the new volumes offer explanations of antiquated turns of phrase, an annotated register of names, short histories of each work’s premier staging, and insights into each play’s resonance among audiences of Schiller’s age.

Even the story behind the set’s creation is poised to become a staple of German publishing history.

Work on the volumes began over a quarter of a century ago, when Aufbau was located in East Berlin. But when the first five volumes were completed shortly after German unification, there was little interest among German booksellers in the mammoth collection..

Again, upon completion of the remaining set of five volumes in 2004, too few bookstores wanted to carry the set. And so the publisher set out on an unusual practice for German booksellers - pre-selling.

Over 1,250 people promised to buy the set when it was published, with everyone from German literature students to Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer signing up for all 10 volumes at a special pre-sale price. Now, in a year when Schiller is once again turning heads and touching hearts, the set seems poised to become a classic in its own right - as well as a must-have for every German home.