Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) stands among the towering figures of Western literature, widely considered Germany's greatest poet and playwright, as well as a profound thinker and statesman. Born in Frankfurt, Goethe manifested an early interest in literature, which was encouraged by his father. His early education was comprehensive, studying languages, law, and natural sciences at the University of Leipzig and later in Strasbourg. However, it was his literary pursuits that garnered him early fame, starting with 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' (1774), a novel that captured the Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) movement's zeitgeist. Goethe's literary style evolved significantly over his long career. His magnum opus, 'Faust', a two-part dramatic work, distilled his philosophical and poetic vision into a narrative of one man's pact with the devil and search for transcendence. Beyond these, Goethe's body of work encompassed poetry, prose, and drama, and his influence extended to the realms of science and philosophy. 'The Classics of World Literature in One Volume', presumably a compendium, reflects Goethe's deep engagement with the classical traditions and his lasting impact on the Western canon. Goethe's works remain pivotal in discussions of Romanticism, humanism, and the development of German literature and thought. His writings continue to be studied for their artistic merit, intellectual depth, and their contributions to various disciplines.