Römische Elegien
Encyclopedia
The Roman Elegies 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
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer, pictorial artist, biologist, theoretical physicist, and polymath. He is considered the supreme genius of modern German literature. His works span the fields of poetry, drama, prose, philosophy, and science. His Faust has been called the greatest long...
. Along with the Venetian Epigrams, they reflect his Italian Journey
Italian Journey
Italian Journey is Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's report on his travels to Italy from 1786–7, published in 1816–7. The book is based on Goethe's diaries...
and celebrate the sensuality and vigor of Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
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
Censorship
thumb|[[Book burning]] following the [[1973 Chilean coup d'état|1973 coup]] that installed the [[Military government of Chile |Pinochet regime]] in Chile...
. The poems are also a loving tribute to Goethe's companion, Christiane Vulpius, whom he met in 1786 on his return from Italy.