Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship

Goethe’s great novel of self-formation gave the coming-of-age story its model and even its name. Wilhelm Meister, restless in the comfortable world of trade, throws himself into the life of the theater, joining a wandering troupe and pursuing his dream of the stage. Along the way he meets a gallery of unforgettable figures, among them the mysterious child Mignon and the sorrowful old Harper, and he learns hard lessons in love, art, and disappointment. Gradually he outgrows his youthful illusions and is guided toward a wiser sense of purpose. Full of poetry and reflection, the book shaped the European novel for generations. This free PDF and EPUB edition makes Goethe’s classic available to read at no cost.