Author
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
1749-1832
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The Sorrows of Young Werther
"The Sorrows of Young Werther" by Johann Wolfgang Goethe is an epistolary novel published in 1774. Through passionate letters to a friend, young artist Werther recounts his enchantment with a fictional village and its simple peasants. There he meets Charlotte, a beautiful young woman caring for her siblings—and falls deeply in love despite knowing she's engaged to another man. As their friendship deepens and circumstances shift, Werther's unrequited passion becomes an unbearable torment that demands resolution.
Faust [part 1]. Translated Into English in the Original Metres
"Faust [part 1]" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a tragic play published in 1808. When the Devil wagers with God that he can corrupt the striving scholar Faust, a fateful pact is sealed in blood. Mephistopheles promises to serve Faust on Earth in exchange for his soul—but only if he can offer a moment so perfect that Faust wishes to stop striving forever. What follows is a dark journey of seduction, betrayal, and tragedy involving the innocent Gretchen, whose fate becomes entangled with Faust's dangerous bargain.
Erotica Romana
"Erotica Romana" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a collection of 24 elegiac poems written during the late 18th century. The work draws inspiration from classical Roman poets such as Tibullus and Catullus, exploring themes of love, desire, and beauty within the scenic backdrop of Rome. The text is characterized by a sensuous and introspective tone, reflecting Goethe's experiences and contemplations during his time in Italy. The poems within "Erotica Romana" present a rich tapestry of romantic exploration, featuring a narrator who navigates both the physical and emotional landscapes of love. The speaker waxes poetic about the charms of his beloved, recounts the pleasures of their clandestine encounters, and contemplates the nature of passion itself. The narrative oscillates between idealization and earthly desire, intertwining mythological references with personal reflection. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Goethe captures the intoxicating essence of love, revealing the complexities of attraction while celebrating the joys of intimate connection.
Faust: Der Tragödie erster Teil
"Faust: Der Tragödie erster Teil" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a tragedy published in 1808. The renowned scholar Dr. Heinrich Faust, disillusioned with knowledge and unable to enjoy life, makes a wager with the devil Mephistopheles. Transformed into a young man, Faust embarks on a journey that leads to a passionate affair with the innocent Margarete, called Gretchen. Their relationship spirals into tragedy, bringing death and destruction to those around them, while Mephistopheles schemes to win Faust's soul.
Goethe's Theory of Colours
"Goethe's Theory of Colours" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a book published in German in 1810. The poet challenges Isaac Newton's spectral theory, arguing that color arises from the interaction between light and darkness rather than from light alone. Through extensive observations of colored shadows, refraction, and prisms at varying distances, Goethe presents a phenomenological approach focused on human perception. His work profoundly influenced artists including Turner and Kandinsky, while sparking debate among physicists and philosophers about the nature of color itself.
Faust: A Tragedy
"Faust: A Tragedy" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a tragic play in two parts, with Part One published in 1808 and Part Two in 1832. When Mephistopheles bets God he can corrupt the scholar Faust, a fateful wager begins. Faust agrees to serve the devil in the afterlife—but only if Mephistopheles can give him a moment so perfect he wishes it would last forever. What follows involves seduction, tragedy, and a journey through earthly and mystical realms, testing the limits of knowledge, desire, and redemption.
Faust: Eine Tragödie [erster Teil]
"Faust: Eine Tragödie [erster Teil]" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a tragedy published in 1808. The aging scholar Dr. Faust, dissatisfied with knowledge and unable to enjoy life, makes a pact with the devil Mephistopheles. Transformed into a young man, Faust embarks on a journey that leads to his seduction of the innocent Gretchen. Their relationship spirals into tragedy, bringing death and destruction, ultimately leaving Gretchen imprisoned and facing execution while Faust struggles to save her.
The Autobiography of Goethe Truth and Poetry: From My Own Life
"The Autobiography of Goethe" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is an autobiography written between 1811-1833. The work chronicles Goethe's life from childhood through age 26, ending as he prepares to leave for Weimar in 1775. Goethe approaches his life story as scientist, historian, and artist—deliberately blending poetry and fiction with truth. He depicts his Frankfurt childhood, university years, and early literary success, while chronicling love affairs and intellectual development. The title's word "Dichtung" signals Goethe's artistic license in selecting and shaping events into compelling narrative.
Die Wahlverwandtschaften
"Die Wahlverwandtschaften" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a novel published in 1809. It tells the story of married couple Charlotte and Eduard, whose secluded life together unravels when two guests arrive at their estate. Like a chemical reaction, new attractions form: Charlotte drawn to the capable Captain Otto, Eduard to the young and quietly charming Ottilie. The conflict between desire and reason spirals into chaos, leading toward tragic consequences in this work exploring passion, duty, and renunciation.
Maxims and Reflections
"Maxims and Reflections" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a philosophical collection of thoughts and aphorisms written in the late 19th century. This work compiles Goethe's reflections on life, character, morality, literature, and science, showcasing the depth of his wisdom accrued throughout a lifetime of inquiry and experience. The maxims serve as profound insights that resonate with universal truths and human experience. The opening portion of "Maxims and Reflections" features a translator's preface that outlines the importance of Goethe's maxims, emphasizing that they encompass a rich tapestry of thoughts related to life and character, literature, and science. The translator highlights Goethe’s unique ability to distill complex ideas into concise, impactful phrases. The text indicates that while a selection of maxims has been assembled from Goethe's vast body of work, the selected sayings maintain a common philosophical thread that reflects the author's extensive engagement with various disciplines and his observations of the human condition. Ultimately, it sets the stage for the reader to explore the wisdom present in Goethe's thoughts on life and existence as they unfold in the subsequent sections.
Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship and Travels, Vol. I (of 2)
"Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship and Travels, Vol. I (of 2)" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a novel published in 1795-96. This coming-of-age story follows Wilhelm Meister as he seeks to escape the confines of bourgeois life through his passion for theater. After a devastating romantic betrayal, he embarks on a journey of self-realization that leads him through theatrical troupes, mysterious encounters, and ultimately toward the enigmatic Tower Society. His path intertwines with colorful characters including the androgynous child Mignon and various actors who shape his transformation.
Faust: Der Tragödie zweiter Teil
"Faust: Der Tragödie zweiter Teil" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a dramatic work completed in 1831 and published in 1832. This continuation of Faust I follows the protagonist beyond personal struggle into ambitious social and political action. Faust pursues artistic creation, journeys through time to wed the classical beauty Helena, and grapples with questions of power and meaning. Through allegory and spectacle spanning five acts, Goethe explores whether human striving can achieve lasting change, culminating in themes of redemption and grace.
Faust — Part 1
"Faust — Part 1" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a tragic play first published in 1808. A scholar named Dr. Faust, dissatisfied with conventional knowledge, makes a dangerous pact with Mephistopheles, an agent of the Devil. In exchange for earthly fulfillment, Faust risks his soul. The wager begins in Heaven itself, where God allows the devil to test his favorite scholar. What follows is a journey through taverns, witchcraft, and forbidden love, as Faust pursues satisfaction and encounters the innocent Gretchen, whose fate becomes tragically entwined with his own desperate quest.
Letters from Switzerland and Travels in Italy
"Letters from Switzerland and Travels in Italy" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a travel memoir written in the late 18th century. The work is a collection of letters describing Goethe's experiences and reflections during his journeys through Switzerland and Italy, showcasing his observations of nature, society, and the human condition. The content promises a deep exploration of the interplay between the beauty of landscapes and the author's inner thoughts and feelings, making it a significant contribution to the literary tradition of travel writing. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for Goethe's introspective journey as he grapples with his inability to adequately express his emotions and experiences in writing. He reflects on the disparity between the grandeur of the natural world and the triviality of human constructs, pondering the idea of freedom as he observes the Swiss people. Goethe's introspections reveal a longing for connection with nature and a deep appreciation for its beauty, while simultaneously critiquing societal norms and personal aspirations. These early letters highlight his struggle with feelings of inadequacy in capturing the sublime experiences of travel, establishing a tone that blends wonder with a philosophical quest for meaning.
The Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original Metres
"The Poems of Goethe" by Edgar Alfred Bowring is a collection of poetry translated into English in the original metres, likely written during the mid-19th century. This work showcases the rich array of themes found in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's poetry, which reflects nature, love, human emotion, and philosophical musings. It is aimed at bringing Goethe's lesser-known poems to an English-speaking audience, highlighting their beauty and depth beyond his famous works like "Faust." The opening of this collection includes a dedication to Countess Granville and a preface by Bowring, explaining the challenges and responsibilities of translating such esteemed works. Bowring expresses his gratitude for being able to dedicate the volume to Granville, linking her historical lineage to Goethe's contemporary life and friendships. He candidly acknowledges the difficulty of capturing the essence of Goethe's poetry in translation, emphasizing the original's beauty and the potential loss in the process. He outlines his principles for translation, advocating for a literal rendering closely aligned with the original's metre while admitting the inherent challenges. The preface sets the stage for an inviting experience with Goethe's poetic exploration in the forthcoming poems.
Faust: a Tragedy [part 1], Translated from the German of Goethe
"Faust: a Tragedy [part 1]" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a tragic play first published in 1808. A disillusioned scholar named Faust makes a fateful pact with Mephistopheles, an agent of the Devil: if Mephistopheles can satisfy him completely, Faust's soul belongs to Hell. Transformed into a young man, Faust pursues the innocent Gretchen, setting off a chain of seduction, tragedy, and destruction that tests the boundaries between damnation and salvation in what many consider German literature's greatest work.
Egmont
"Egmont" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a drama completed in 1788. Set during the Eighty Years' War, it follows Count Egmont, a Dutch warrior who refuses to flee from Spanish oppression despite the threat of arrest. His idealism and trust in others lead him toward a fatal confrontation with the despotic Duke of Alba. As his mistress Klärchen desperately tries to save him, Egmont must face the consequences of his unwavering commitment to liberty and justice, transforming personal tragedy into a powerful call for national independence.
Die Leiden des jungen Werther — Band 1
"Die Leiden des jungen Werther — Band 1" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is an epistolary novel published in 1774. Young legal clerk Werther falls deeply in love with Lotte, who is engaged to another man. Through letters, he chronicles his passionate feelings and growing despair as he struggles with this impossible love. The novel draws on Goethe's own experiences and became an immediate bestseller, establishing him as a literary sensation across Europe and cementing its place among the most successful novels in literary history.
Autobiography: Truth and Fiction Relating to My Life
"Autobiography: Truth and Fiction Relating to My Life" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is an autobiography written between 1811-1833. Goethe chronicles his first twenty-six years, from childhood in Frankfurt through passionate love affairs to his departure for Weimar in 1775. Blending scientific observation, historical context, and artistic license, he deliberately selected and shaped memories—some factual, some fictional—to create a vivid portrait of his development as a poet. The title itself warns readers: this is both truth and creative fiction interwoven.
Italienische Reise — Band 1
"Italienische Reise — Band 1" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a travel account written between 1813 and 1817, describing his Italian journey from September 1786 to May 1788. Fleeing artistic stagnation and court life in Weimar, Goethe traveled incognito through Italy, seeking renewal among ancient ruins and Renaissance masterpieces. Based on his travel diaries but heavily revised decades later, the work chronicles his route from Karlsbad through Venice to Rome, where he immersed himself in art and antiquity while grappling with his dual existence as poet and statesman.
Iphigenia in Tauris
"Iphigenia in Tauris" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a verse drama written between 1779-1786, reworking Euripides' ancient Greek tragedy. Iphigenia serves as priestess to Diana on Tauris, saved from sacrifice by her father Agamemnon yet imprisoned by exile and longing for Greece. When King Thoas demands marriage, she refuses—but her refusal threatens to revive human sacrifice. Two Greek strangers arrive: her brother Orestes, cursed for murdering their mother, and his friend Pylades. Neither recognizes the other, yet their fates intertwine as an oracle's cryptic message drives them toward collision.
Hermann and Dorothea
"Hermann and Dorothea" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is an epic poem written between 1796 and 1797. Set during the French Revolutionary Wars, it tells the story of Hermann, a wealthy innkeeper's son, who falls in love with Dorothea, a refugee fleeing French occupation. Against his father's wishes for a prosperous match, Hermann pursues the compassionate young woman he met while delivering aid to displaced villagers. This idyll in hexameters contrasts the settled life of a small German town with revolutionary turmoil, exploring themes of love, duty, and civilization's foundations.
Iphigenie auf Tauris
"Iphigenie auf Tauris" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a verse drama written in 1779 and revised in 1786. Based on Euripides' ancient tragedy, it follows Iphigenie, rescued from sacrifice and now a priestess on the island of Tauris. She longs for her Greek homeland while serving King Thoas, who desires to marry her. When two mysterious strangers arrive—her brother Orest and his friend Pylades—a family cursed by generations of murder faces a chance at redemption, if only they can recognize each other.
Goethe's literary essays : $b A selection in English
"Goethe's literary essays: A selection in English" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a collection of critical essays written in the late 18th to early 19th century. It gathers Goethe’s reflections on art, literature, and theatre, articulating a comprehensive aesthetics that ranges from architecture and classical sculpture to dramaturgy and criticism itself. The focus is on how beauty, character, form, and style interrelate, with a strong classical sensibility tempered by wide curiosity and practical judgment. The opening of the collection frames Goethe as a preeminent critic through a chorus of admirers and a foreword by Viscount Haldane, who highlights Goethe’s breadth—from lyric poetry and natural observation to the philosophical reach of Faust—and urges readers to learn from his critical outlook. A detailed contents list maps the scope: theories of art and literature, essays on Shakespeare and other writers, and selected conversations. The first essays then set the program: a passionate defense of “German” architecture via Strasbourg Cathedral against formulaic classicism; an introduction to the Propylæa stressing the need to keep each art true to its own laws; and a searching analysis of the Laocoon that defines the highest aims of sculpture—living form, character, ideality, agreeableness, and beauty—while explaining how the chosen moment and composition temper pathos with harmony. Further pieces unfold as dialogues: a debate pitching “character” against “beauty” in ancient art, a discussion of truth versus plausibility on the stage (especially in opera), and precise definitions of simple imitation, manner, and style, with style crowned as the deepest, most knowing form of art.