Introduction to the Propyläen

*Illustrated with pictures of Goethe, his life, and work

*Includes Table of Contents



Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is widely considered the most important German writer, but that would truly belittle the span of his work. In fact, Goethe dabbled in poetry, drama, literature, theology and philosophy on a global stage, taking a great interest in world literature and culture. For that reason, he is a worldy figure, not simply a German one.  


Today Goethe is best remembered for his magnum opus, Faust, a two-part drama still considered one of the world’s greatest works. Goethe is also celebrated for many of his poems, including the Bildungsroman Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, and novels like The Sorrows of Young Werther.

The Propyläen was a periodical founded in July, 1798, by Goethe and his friend Heinrich Meyer. During its short existence of three years, there were published in it, besides the writings of the editors, short contributions by Schiller and Humboldt. Its purpose was to spread sound ideas about the aims and methods of art; and in this notable introduction Goethe set forth with clearness and profundity his fundamental ideas on these subjects. 

 This edition of Goethe’s Introduction to the Propyläen is specially formatted with a Table of Contents and pictures of Goethe, his life and work.