Goethe and Anna Amalia: A Forbidden Love?

In this study Ghibellino sets out to show that the platonic relationship betweenGoethe and Charlotte von Stein - lady-in-waiting to Anna Amalia, the DowagerDuchess of Weimar - was used as part of a cover-up for Goethe's intense and prolongedlove relationship with the Duchess Anna Amalia herself. The book attempts touncover a hitherto closely guarded state secret. Readers convinced by the evidencesupporting Ghibellino's hypothesis will see in it one of the very great love stories inEuropean history - to rank with that of Dante and Beatrice, and Petrarch and Laura.

Inhalt

List of Illustrations Translator's Preface Introduction The State Secret Anna Amalia and Charlotte von Stein Beginnings Rise and Fall of a State Minister Flight to Italy: 'Oh, What an Error!' Italy: 'The Turning Point' Tasso: 'A Dangerous Undertaking' Anna Amalia: An Outstanding Woman David Heinrich Grave: A Human Catastrophe Deception: Letters to 'Frau von Stein' Frau von Stein's Literary Works Love Poetry: Belonging to One Alone Wilhelm Meister: 'There is Life in It' Epilogue: 'All for Love' Bibliography Abbreviations EndnotesIndex.