J. W. V. Goethe's Biographie

''J. W. v. Goethe's Biographie'' by Heinrich Döring is a historical biography written in the mid-19th century. The book chronicles the life and works of the esteemed German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, covering his childhood, education, and early experiences that shaped his literary career. This biography provides an in-depth look at Goethe's formative years, depicting the influence of his family, education, and early relationships, which all play a significant role in his development as a poet and thinker. At the start of the biography, Döring introduces Goethe’s early life, recounting details from his family background, including his father's strictness and his mother's nurturing disposition. The narrative describes Goethe as a curious and inventive child, influenced by his grandmother and surroundings in Frankfurt am Main. The opening details his artistic inclinations, initial engagement with literature, and the complex relationship he had with his parents, particularly between his father's expectations for him to pursue law and his own passion for poetry and the arts. Through these early experiences, the groundwork is laid for understanding how Goethe would eventually become one of the most prominent figures in German literature.