The Autobiography of Goethe

About the book

"The Autobiography of Goethe" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is an autobiography written between 1811-1833. The work chronicles Goethe's life from childhood through age 26, ending as he prepares to leave for Weimar in 1775. Goethe approaches his life story as scientist, historian, and artist—deliberately blending poetry and fiction with truth. He depicts his Frankfurt childhood, university years, and early literary success, while chronicling love affairs and intellectual development. The title's word "Dichtung" signals Goethe's artistic license in selecting and shaping events into compelling narrative.