Alexander Lee

The enduring mystery of Goethe’s Faust

A.N. Wilson sets out to show how Goethe’s life can help us understand what he was trying to do with Faust. But the great work remains something of a puzzle

Faust and Mephistopheles. Credit: Alamy

  • Goethe: His Faustian Life

    A.N. Wilson

    Bloomsbury, pp. 320, £25

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Francis Pike

Leyte Gulf is the greatest naval battle you’ve never heard of

When you think of great naval engagements, the Battle of Leyte Gulf does not immediately spring to mind, despite it being the largest naval battle in modern history. Leyte Gulf, which celebrates its 80th anniversary today, took place in the Philippines in 1944. Even my well-educated American friends, the CEO of a major publishing company included,

Because you read about alcoholism

Latest

Comments

Join the debate for just £1 a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in