Johann Peter Eckermann Quotes
- Biographer
- Germany
- 1792
Johann Peter Eckermann (1792-1854) was a German poet and author best known for his conversations with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which were published as Gespräche mit Goethe in den letzten Jahren seines Lebens (Conversations with Goethe in the Last Years of His Life). Eckermann was born in Winsen,…Read More
Johann Peter Eckermann (1792-1854) was a German poet and author best known for his conversations with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which were published as Gespräche mit Goethe in den letzten Jahren seines Lebens (Conversations with Goethe in the Last Years of His Life). Eckermann was born in Winsen, Germany, and studied at the University of Göttingen. He was a close friend of Goethe, and his conversations with the great poet were published in three volumes between 1836 and 1848. Eckermann’s other works include the poetry collections Gedichte (1821) and Gedichte und Elegien (1830), as well as the novel Die Familie Ghonorez (1841).Read Less
Johann Peter Eckermann (1792-1854) was a German poet and author best known for his conversations with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which were published as Gespräche mit Goethe in den letzten Jahren seines Lebens (Conversations with Goethe in the Last Years of His Life). Eckermann was born in Winsen, Germany, and studied at the University of Göttingen. He was a close friend of Goethe, and his conversations with the great poet were published in three volumes between 1836 and 1848. Eckermann’s other works include the poetry collections Gedichte (1821) and Gedichte und Elegien (1830), as well as the novel Die Familie Ghonorez (1841).
Johann Peter Eckermann Career Highlights
- Eckermann’s career began as a clerk in a law office, but he soon left to pursue his passion for literature and philosophy.
- In 1814, he met Goethe and became his personal secretary, a position he held for the next nine years.
- During this time, Eckermann had the opportunity to engage in deep discussions with Goethe, which greatly influenced his own writing and thinking.
- In 1838, he published his most famous work, “Conversations with Goethe,” which documented his conversations with the philosopher and provided valuable insights into Goethe’s thoughts and ideas.
- Eckermann also wrote several other works, including “History of Philosophy,” “History of Literature,” and “History of the Middle Ages,” which were well-received by critics and readers alike.
- He was also a respected linguist and translated several works from French and English into German.
Key Contributions by Johann Peter Eckermann
- Eckermann’s most significant contribution was his collaboration with Goethe, which resulted in the publication of “Conversations with Goethe.” This work not only provided valuable insights into Goethe’s thoughts and ideas but also shed light on the intellectual and cultural climate of the time.
- His other works, such as “History of Philosophy” and “History of Literature,” were also highly influential and helped shape the development of German literature and philosophy.
- Eckermann’s translations of works from other languages into German also played a crucial role in introducing foreign ideas and concepts to the German-speaking world.
What Sets Johann Peter Eckermann Apart
- Eckermann’s close relationship with Goethe and his access to the philosopher’s thoughts and ideas set him apart from other writers and scholars of his time.
- His ability to engage in deep and meaningful conversations with Goethe and his keen observation skills allowed him to capture the essence of Goethe’s thinking in his writings.
- Eckermann’s diverse interests and extensive knowledge in various fields, including literature, philosophy, and linguistics, also set him apart from his contemporaries.
Takeaways
- Johann Peter Eckermann’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his significant impact on German literature and philosophy.
- His close collaboration with Goethe and his ability to capture the philosopher’s thoughts and ideas in his writings make him a valuable source of information for understanding Goethe’s work.
- Eckermann’s works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and readers, making him a prominent figure in German intellectual history.