The best books by Goethe

Poetry lovers can experience the full spectrum of human emotions through Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s work. Whether you’re new to the poet or are already familiar with his work, this article will help you understand the bigger picture.

Who was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe?

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born on August 28, 1749, in Frankfurt, Germany. His father was a lawyer who put his son’s education first. Goethe received early education in linguistics. He was fascinated by Homer and Ovid and knew many of their texts by heart.

Goethe received legal training, but his love for poetry never disappeared. During his studies, he published his first poetry collection called Annette in 1770. As a student, he wrote satirical crime comedies, got into folk poetry, and grew fond of Shakespeare. It is Shakespeare that Goethe finds responsible for his “personal awakening,” as the poet would say himself.

Goethe practiced law in the 1770s but also had a side career as a playwright, editor, poet, amateur artist, theatre director, statesman, and literary critic. He also wrote epistolary novels and treatises and used numerous other forms of literary expression.

Goethe’s best books and poems

The Sorrows of Young Werther (Die Leiden des Jungen Werthers)

This epistolary novel is Goethe’s first widely-read work. Published in 1774, when he was 24 years old, this novel gained momentary international fame. Even Napoleon called it one of European Literature’s most significant works.

The novel tells a tragi-romantic story ending with suicide. Following the publication of this novel, young men around Europe started dressing like Werther, the main character. The success of the work also helped the poet make it to the court of Karl August, where he became an advisor.

Elective Affinities

Published in 1809, Elective Affinities takes place in Weimar, the city where the poet spent the last days of his life. The Elective Affinities were written when Goethe was already an established writer.

In this work, he studies passion and marriage, examines whether people have free will, and “punishes” the characters for not embracing the piece of real life they carry within.

Faust (Part One and Part Two)

Faust is arguably the greatest piece of German literature ever to exist. In the first part of Goethe’s Faust, the readers are introduced to an audacious man who boldly wagers with Mephistopheles or the devil. Magic, knowledge, and sensuality don’t help him escape the dangers. Part one contains some of the most beautiful passages in world literature.

In part two, Faust embarks on a journey with Mephistopheles through ancient Greek mythology. He meets the beautiful Helen of Troy, whom he marries. The second part continues exploring redemption and salvation themes central to this epic literature work.

Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship (Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre)

This novel focusing on self-realization is a favorite work of romantics. It’s known as the first Bildungsroman and has had a major influence on the history of the German novel.

The story is about Wilhelm, a young man who finds joy and passion as an actor and playwright. He tries to escape the restrictive economic world and seeks comfort in doing things he loves. But can he succeed?

Italian Journey (Italienische Reise)

Goethe was already recognized as the Sturm und Drang literary movement leader when he wrote this work. He traveled to Italy looking for relief from his agonies and responsibilities. He visited Sicily, Rome, Venice, and Naples and wrote letters he used as support for the Italian Journey.

You can read the author’s fascinating observations on history, plants, art, landscapes, and the locals. The work also reveals Goethe’s psychological crisis.

Götz von Berlichingen

This drama was published in 1773, and it’s based on the memories of the legendary adventurer-poet Gottfried. Goethe depicts the hero as a free spirit who tragically falls to the law and justice concepts and ultimately shows submission in society.

Prometheus

This poem starts with Prometheus, a famous Greek character who rebels against the gods. Much like in the original myth, Prometheus fights Zeus. Many critics of Goethe’s work say that these scenes reflect the author’s agnostic side.

Torquato Tasso 

In this verse drama, which is one of the many literary fruits following Goethe’s visit to Italy, the poet creates one of the first real dramas in world literature. The main character bears the traits of a genius but also melancholy and instability. As a result, he becomes the spirit of a modern poet.

Marienbad Elegy

This poem is named after Marienbad, a spa town where Goethe spent the summer when he was 73 years old. During his stay in the town, he fell in love with a young girl Ulrike von Levetzow. Goethe returns to the city two years later, asking the girl to marry him, but she declines.

This is one of Goethe’s most personal poems that reflects all the sadness he felt when Ulrike rejected his proposal.

Listen to Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe on Speechify Audiobooks

Speechify Audiobooks is an online platform that hosts more than 70,000 titles, including classics like Goethe’s books. The app is simple to use and works across various devices.

The subscription gives you access to various titles (and new ones are added constantly), including works by other writers like Nietzsche, Thomas Mann, Dante, and Schiller. You can also find many other literary works and New York Times bestsellers. Listen to audiobooks in English or other languages.

Best of all, you don’t have to pay for your first audiobook. Join the free trial and read your first Goethe audiobook free of charge.

FAQ

What should I read from Goethe?

If you have never read Goethe, start by reading Faust. Then, you can explore other poems, novels, and works by this celebrated author.

What is Goethe’s most famous work?

Faust is Goethe’s most famous work.

What did Einstein say about Goethe?

Einstein was a huge fan of Geothe. He owned all of his works and thought of him as one of the smartest and wisest men of all time.

Why is Goethe so great?

Goethe was a literary genius, given his all-around interest and success as a poet, director, dramatist, scientist, literary critic, and artist of the Romantic period.

What is the best biography of Goethe?

Goethe: Life as a Work of Art is arguably the best biography of Goethe’s life.  

Why is Goethe considered the father of modernism?

Goethe rewrote the rules of German poetry and helped start romanticism and classicism in German literature. He also gave an account of the modern world where happiness and fulfillment in the present aren’t possible.

What is the most famous quote by Goethe?

It’s almost impossible to choose one most famous quotes by Goethe. But the one that sticks is “Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.”