Reproduction of the original: Erotica Romana by Johann Wolfgang Goethe

German literary prodigy Johann Wolfgang von Goethe breaks ground again with this volume of sensual love poetry. Despite its titillating title, these poems--though shockingly candid in the context of the early 1800s--are tame by contemporary standards, and Goethe couches his carnal odes in coy, oblique metaphors.

The Roman Elegies (originally published under the title Erotica Romana in Germany, later Römische Elegien) is a cycle of twenty-four poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Along with the Venetian Epigrams, they reflect his Italian Journey and celebrate the sensuality and vigor of Italian and Classical culture. Written mainly after his return to Weimar, they contain poems on many sexual themes, and some were suppressed from publication during Goethe's lifetime due to fears of censorship. The poems are also a loving tribute to Goethe's companion, Christiane Vulpius, whom he met in 1786 on his return from Italy.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is widely considered the most important German writer, but that would truly belittle the span of his work. In fact, Goethe dabbled in poetry, drama, literature, theology and philosophy on a global stage, taking a great interest in world literature and culture. For that reason, he is a worldy figure, not simply a German one. Today Goethe is best remembered for his magnum opus Faust, a two-part drama still considered one of the world's greatest works. Goethe is also celebrated for many of his poems, including the Bildungsroman Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, and novels like The Sorrows of Young Werther. The Roman Elegies (originally published under the title Erotica Romana in Germany) is a series of 24 poems written by Goethe after he traveled to Italy. In addition to the Venetian Epigrams, this poetry is a look back at his journey through Italy and a celebration of Italy's classical and modern culture. At the time, the intimate nature of the work kept Goethe from publishing all of the poems based on his worry about censorship.

The Roman Elegies (originally published under the title Erotica Romana in Germany, later R�mische Elegien) is a cycle of twenty-four poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

The Roman Elegies (originally published under the title Erotica Romana in Germany, later Römische Elegien) is a cycle of twenty-four poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Along with the Venetian Epigrams, they reflect his Italian Journey and celebrate the sensuality and vigor of Italian and Classical culture. Written mainly after his return to Weimar, they contain poems on many sexual themes, and some were suppressed from publication during Goethe's lifetime due to fears of censorship. The poems are also a loving tribute to Goethe's companion, Christiane Vulpius, whom he met in 1786 on his return from Italy.