Originally published in the November 1887 issue of “The Chautauquan” magazine, this Kindle edition, equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 16 pages, describes the life and work of German poet, playwright, novelist, philosopher, and scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Includes supplemental material:
•A Brief Summary of the Life of Goethe
•A Brief Summary of the Work of Goethe
Sample passage:
“Faust” was completed in the poet’s eightieth year and may be called his lifework. Even at his home in Frankfort the boy, as he was studying alchemy, had given serious thought to this subject. Even there he became acquainted with the folks-book of Dr. Faust, and later saw the same theme presented as a puppet show. The year 1772 he designates as the birth year of the drama. He had just finished his studies at Strasburg, and from that time on the grand production was ever before him and he wrote the various scenes as they individually attracted him.
The First Part appeared in 1808, and, although the poet regarded this as merely a fragment, sixteen years passed before he resumed work on the Second Part, which was finally completed in 1831. Thus the poem compasses the whole life of its author, from boyhood to gray-haired old age, and however much personal experiences may be there portrayed, they are at the same time the experiences common to every thoughtful, investigating, struggling man. It may well be called the drama of modern times.
About the author:
Robert Webber Moore was Professor of French and German at Colgate University. Other works include “History of German Literature” and “Weimar: The Athens of Germany.”
Includes supplemental material:
•A Brief Summary of the Life of Goethe
•A Brief Summary of the Work of Goethe
Sample passage:
“Faust” was completed in the poet’s eightieth year and may be called his lifework. Even at his home in Frankfort the boy, as he was studying alchemy, had given serious thought to this subject. Even there he became acquainted with the folks-book of Dr. Faust, and later saw the same theme presented as a puppet show. The year 1772 he designates as the birth year of the drama. He had just finished his studies at Strasburg, and from that time on the grand production was ever before him and he wrote the various scenes as they individually attracted him.
The First Part appeared in 1808, and, although the poet regarded this as merely a fragment, sixteen years passed before he resumed work on the Second Part, which was finally completed in 1831. Thus the poem compasses the whole life of its author, from boyhood to gray-haired old age, and however much personal experiences may be there portrayed, they are at the same time the experiences common to every thoughtful, investigating, struggling man. It may well be called the drama of modern times.
About the author:
Robert Webber Moore was Professor of French and German at Colgate University. Other works include “History of German Literature” and “Weimar: The Athens of Germany.”
