The Goethe biography for our time. Goethe is an event in the history of the German spirit. Rüdiger Safranski retells this event for us today. Working exclusively from primary sources - from works, letters, diaries, conversations, and records of contemporaries - Safranski's great biography brings Goethe back to life: Goethe the bestselling author, the heartthrob, the state minister, the natural scientist, Goethe the institution. In addition to the literary work, Safranski also explores Goethe's second work, his own life, in relation to the possibilities and limitations of an art of living. For that was also Goethe, a master of life. In Safranski's sovereign and captivating portrayal of this genius of the century, we gain a better understanding of ourselves and our time. An event.