The Works of J.W. von Goethe, Vol. XIII (in 14 volumes) - George Henry Lewes

“Instead, therefore, of saying that Man is the creature of Circumstance, it would be nearer the mark to say that Man is the architect of Circumstance. It is Character which builds an existence out of Circumstance. Our strength is measured by our plastic power. From the same materials one man builds palaces, another hovels, one warehouses, another villas.” —George Henry Lewes, Life and Works of Goethe

Life and Works of Goethe Vol. I (1855) is the first volume of a two-volume biography of Goethe by George Henry Lewes, released in The Works of J.W. von Goethe, Vol. XIII—Life and Works of Goethe Vol. I, part of a 14-volume set originally published in 1901–1902.

This volume focuses on Goethe’s early life until 1779.  It draws on letters and recollections provided by Goethe's family and friends in creating a portrait of one of Germany’s greatest intellectuals. Although this biography was written over 150 years ago, it still is a valuable and enjoyable read.