West–Eastern Diwan

What it is

A diwan, or collection of lyric poems, written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe between 1814 and 1819, with an expanded edition printed in 1827. It was inspired by his reading of the Persian poet Hafez in translation by orientalist Joseph von Hammer, and by his correspondence with Marianne von Willemer. The collection is organised into twelve books.

Why it matters

The work is one of Goethe's last major poetry cycles and is seen as a symbol of exchange between 'Orient and Occident' — between German and Middle Eastern, Christian and Muslim cultures. It influenced later poets, including Friedrich Rückert and, much later, the Persian poet Muhammad Iqbal.

Look closer

• Why might Goethe have added notes explaining historical figures and terms for his German readers?
• What does this collection suggest about how European writers engaged with other cultures in this period?
• How might Marianne von Willemer's role in inspiring the poems be remembered differently from Goethe's?