Y Haven't You Read Conversations With Goethe Yet?

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Yeah, why haven't you guys read this yet? It's basically /lit/'s fantasy come true. This guy Eckermann, who is a wannabe poet and literary scholar meets his hero Goethe when the latter is 70 years old and still livin the high Lit-life as one of humanity's artistic giants. Eckermann befriend's Goethe, becomes his editor and close friend, and ends up writing this book about his visits and conversations with Goethe that becomes one of the greatest literary documents we have. Eckermann, through his humble nature, knack for observations, and sheer love of Goethe, ends up producing one of the most extraordinary written portraits of a great artists, giving the world access to Goethe's intimate thoughts and ideas about a slew of subjects ranging from art to religion to manners, and many more.

The conversations between Eckermann and Goethe are beautiful and fascinating, and Eckermann, an introvert /lit/ geek, through his acquaintance with Goethe, ends up mingling with the high society of Goethe's day, going to parties, and the theatre, and to country retreats, etc. Eckermann's book was recognized as a great achievement by people who knew him and had read the book, but he did not gain wide-spread fame during his lifetime. History vindicated him though, and Nietzsche considered Eckermann's book "the best German book there is", ranking it higher in value even than Goethe's own works because of the invaluable access that Eckermann's book gives us to the mind of the great master, and the beautiful manner in which Eckermann records the scenes and impressions of his friendship with Goethe.

I am currently halfway through the book. It is really one of the best books ever written. It contains so many small moments of nobility and so much wisdom. Read it now. You will be jelly of Eckermann and your mind and spirit will be much improved.