Novelist, scientist, courtier, poet - Goethe's genius spanned disciplines in his lifetime, and has spanned the centuries since his death. Bringing together the stunning lyric poetry of the author of Faust, this fresh translation also gives us Goethe's life from childhood to old age, captured in his verse. With a gaze that embraces mountaintops and wayside flowers, warring gods and gingko leaves, this epoch-making poet unites us with life's humble beauties, sublime sorrows, and deepest meanings.