Recommended reading order?

Hi. I'm interested in learning more about Schopenhauer's thought, and philosophical pessimism in general, and I would really appreciate some advice. Should I jump right in to The World as Will and Representation, or are there other texts (by Schopenhauer or by others) that I should read first, to give myself some background understanding? I haven't really read any other major philosophical works, except for Plato's Republic.

Also, is it worth brushing up on German (I know a little bit) to read Schopenhauer's original writing, or are the English translations just as good?

Thank you.