Conversations with Goethe

A witty introduction to the mind of Goethe, in a new translation for the first time in 150 yearsA Penguin ClassicBy the end of the nineteenth century, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was the world's most celebrated poet, novelist, critic and thinker. Today his name is echoed as that of a "great man" alongside Plato, Montaigne and Shakespeare. This book covers the last nine years of his life, partially spent having conversations with the young Johann Eckermann, who was thirty-one to Goethe's seventy-four, and who dedicated this time to recording Goethe's thoughts, ideas, observations and witticisms. The result is Conversations with Goethe, the most direct glimpse into the Great Man's mind, revealing a gentler, more human side to him, as well as his thoughts on art, science, poetry, philosophy and the minutiae of life. Conversations of Goethe is an incredibly important and enjoyable document of "the last universal genius of the West." It is often compared to Boswell's Life of Johnson for its enjoyability and importance.

NEW TRANSLATION: In a brand new translation by renowned translator Allan Blunden, this is the first time the book will be widely available in English. The previous translation is 150 years old. This is a fantastically readable, amusing and charming introduction to Goethe's life and work; an accessible entry point, full of character.