1811-1812. A rich autumn of grape harvesting, of golden forests and red sunset skies. The last but two symphonies and the last violin sonata. Lovely declining days and latter-day loves. And the ...

The biographer of a truly world-historical writer finds his work weighted with a double burden. He must trace how his subject’s private passions and follies gave rise to original art, and he must show ...

The following is the first of a series of illuminating articles revealing Goethe’s lively interest in Jewry and things Yiddish, based upon excerpts from “Goethe and the Jews,” (G. P. Putman’s Sons, ...

THE Frankfort diligence stopped at the ‘Geist.’ A German student set down his luggage, astounded the innkeeper by refusing dinner, and rushed toward the Cathedral like a madman. The sextons, as they ...

Emerson called him “the greatest writer who ever lived.” Claudel considered him a “great solemn ass.” Jung pronounced him “a prophet.” Evelyn Waugh dismissed him as a “wayward dabbler in philosophy.” ...