Many times throughout his life, Goethe visited Ilmenau, his Thuringian Arcadia, most recently just a few months before his death in August 1831. During those six days that form the narrative framework for Sigrid Damm's book, Goethe reflects on his life, remembers his wife Christiane, and recalls the Bohemian spas where he last experienced love, until he becomes painfully aware of his age after being rejected by the young Ulrike von Levetzow. As in all her books, Sigrid Damm also brings us close to everyday life: Goethe as a generous host, illustrating his culinary reign with rare delicacies. She portrays previously unexamined aspects of Goethe's life: his difficult relationship with his son in the final years and the joyful bond with the little people in the second degree, his grandchildren, whom he spoils and for whom he takes on the role of father after the death of his son.