A perceptive introduction to the mind of one of German's greatest writers, in a new translation for the first time in 150 years

'The best German book there is' Nietzsche

By the turn of the nineteenth century, the poet, novelist and thinker Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was one of the most famous people in the world. In 1823 he became friend and mentor to the young writer Johann Eckermann, who, for the last nine years of Goethe's life, recorded their wide-ranging conversations on art, literature, science and philosophy. This rich portrait of Germany's literary elder statesman, now in its first new translation for over 150 years, gives a fascinating glimpse into a great mind as well as 'many insights and invaluable lessons about life.'

Translated by Allan Blunden with an Introduction by Ritchie Robertson

About the Author
Ritchie Robertson (Introducer)
Ritchie Robertson is Taylor Professor of German at the University of Oxford. He is a member of the board of the Voltaire Foundation which promotes research on the Enlightenment, and is a frequent reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement.



Reviews
The greatest German book of the nineteenth century -- Nietzsche
Be transported to another, impossibly cultured and civilised time - a cheering respite from the terrors of our own -- Rob Doyle * Observer *
Revisit the musings of the greatest writer in the German language ... A new edition of Conversations with Goethe attests to the genius and charisma of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, venerated as the godfather of German literature ... From 1823 until Goethe's death in 1832, his devoted disciple, Johann Peter Eckermann, transcribed the thoughts of the author and close-up observation of his idol's habits, quirks and deeds ... Allan Blunden's companionable new version lets readers grasp not just the mental might of the sage of Weimar, but his charisma ... Goethe's talk roams with wit, charm and hard-headed sense across literature, art, nature, science and statecraft ... He has his head in the heavens but his feet on the ground; he loves gardens, picnics, birds and mountains-and takes up archery, aged 75, like an excited child ... The Conversations help Anglophone readers understand why Goethe stays on his pedestal * Economist *
Conversations with Goethe, a record of discussions over the final nine years of Goethe's life that was published four years after his death, offers a portrait of the artist as sage. Nietzsche called it "the best German book there is". In Allan Bunden's new translation - the first for 150 years - we see Eckermann's dependence on and awe of his employer, but we are also allowed to eavesdrop on Goethe's prolific mind whirring away -- Ian Bostridge * Financial Times *
The book intersperses minor episodes from Goethe's daily life with preposterously insightful comments on the nature of ethics, painting, ambition, music, theater, poetry and criticism. One moment the author is advancing a proto-"Anxiety of Influence" theory; next he's griping about tacky interior design trends. We receive all of this through the unobtrusive medium of Eckermann, who shapes and edits his raw material in the manner of a reality TV producer - if reality TV shows were about geniuses instead of morons! -- Molly Young * New York Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9780241421673
Author Johann Peter Eckermann
Format Paperback
Page Count 752
Imprint Penguin Classics
Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 511g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 31mm