Most of us know Goethe as the grand old man of German letters, the author of monumental works. Wilhelm Scherer’s study, 'Aus Goethes Frühzeit,' asks a simple but compelling question: How did he get there? Scherer, a major literary historian of his day, acts like a biographer with a microscope. He zooms in on the years before fame, sifting through the fragments Goethe left behind.

The Story

There isn't a plot in the traditional sense. Instead, Scherer constructs a narrative of development. He follows the young Goethe from his comfortable Frankfurt childhood through his university years in Leipzig and Strasbourg. The 'story' is in the connections Scherer makes. He shows us the books the young Goethe devoured, the artistic styles he clumsily imitated, and the powerful mentors and friends who challenged him. Scherer highlights key moments, like Goethe’s encounter with the critic Herder, which shattered his conventional ideas about poetry. We see the false starts—the awkward early plays and derivative poems—that were essential stepping stones. The climax isn't a single event, but the gradual emergence of a unique artistic voice, culminating in the explosive creativity that produced 'Götz von Berlichingen' and 'The Sorrows of Young Werther.'

Why You Should Read It

This book is a relief for anyone who finds flawless geniuses boring. Scherer gives us a Goethe who is real, uncertain, and learning. You get to watch a masterpiece mind under construction. The thrill is in spotting the raw ingredients of his later work. That strange legal case his father worked on? It might feed into 'Faust.' A youthful infatuation? It simmers into 'Werther.' It makes Goethe’s achievements feel earned, not just gifted. Scherer’s writing, while scholarly, carries a genuine excitement for the hunt. You feel like you’re alongside him, dusting off old manuscripts and saying, 'Aha! So that’s where that came from!'

Final Verdict

This is a book for curious readers, not complete beginners. It’s perfect for someone who has read 'Werther' or 'Faust' and wants to understand the man behind them. It’s also a great pick for writers or artists who will find comfort and inspiration in seeing that even the greats had to practice, experiment, and find their way. If you enjoy literary history or biographies that focus on the 'how' rather than just the 'what,' Scherer’s focused, insightful study is a rewarding deep dive. You’ll close the book with a much richer, more human picture of a literary titan.