Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is perhaps best known for The Sorrows of Young Werther (1774), the first novel of the movement, and for (Part I, 1808; Part II, 1832), a play about a man who sells his soul to the Devil that is sometimes considered Germany’s greatest contribution to world literature.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is the most important German literary figure of modern times and is often compared to Shakespeare and Dante. He was a poet, dramatist, director, novelist, scientist, critic, artist and statesman during what was known as the Romantic period of European arts.

Goethe, best known for his wide range of poetry, plays, and novels, was also a respected administrator, knowledgeable art collector, and successful director of the Weimar Hoftheater (court theater, including opera) from 1791 to 1813. He admired Napoleon and recognized the genius of Beethoven.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German polymath and writer, widely recognized as the greatest and most influential German-language writer. His extensive contributions spanned poetry, plays, novels, aesthetic criticism, scientific treatises, and administrative reforms.