Goethe's Literary Essays

By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, J . E. Spingarn, Joel Elias Spingarn, et al.

Book Overview

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of Western literature's most towering figures, presents his profound insights in "Goethe's literary essays: A selection in English." This essential print edition gathers a meticulously curated collection of his critical writings, offering readers a direct engagement with his thought on the nature of art and literature.

Goethe's genius extends beyond poetry and drama; his contributions to literary and art criticism are equally foundational. Within these essays, he explores the history and theory of literature, dissecting works with incisive analysis and illuminating their enduring power. His critical eye also turns to the visual arts, providing a rich perspective on aesthetics and artistic principles that shaped generations of thought.

These collected works exemplify Goethe's remarkable range as a critical theorist. They delve into topics that continue to resonate, offering timeless reflections on creative expression, cultural evolution, and the very act of interpretation. For anyone interested in German literature, the development of critical theory, or the interplay between philosophy, art, and literary endeavor, this volume offers unparalleled access to the mind of a master. It is an indispensable resource for understanding the intellectual landscape of his era and its lasting impact.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025243870
• ISBN13: 9781025243870
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.2"