Italian Journey is not only a superb description of places, persons and things, but also a psychological document of the first importance.

In 1786 Goethe set out on his journey to Italy, hoping to fulfil a personal and artistic quest he had anticipated for years. During his trip he kept a journal and wrote many letters, and it was upon these sources that he based his Italian Journey.

W.H. Auden and Elizabeth Mayer have captured all the vitality and humour of Goethe’s style, ensuring that the precise flavour and syntax of one of the great travel chronicles of all times comes across with stunning immediacy and impact. For those who do not know the work of Goethe this is perhaps the finest possible introduction.


‘This translation is a delight’ – Cyril Connolly