In this study Ghibellino sets out to show that the platonic relationship betweenGoethe and Charlotte von Stein - lady-in-waiting to Anna Amalia, the DowagerDuchess of Weimar - was used as part of a cover-up for Goethe's intense and prolongedlove relationship with the Duchess Anna Amalia herself. The book attempts touncover a hitherto closely guarded state secret. Readers convinced by the evidencesupporting Ghibellino's hypothesis will see in it one of the very great love stories inEuropean history - to rank with that of Dante and Beatrice, and Petrarch and Laura.

Inhalt

List of Illustrations - Translator's Preface - Introduction - The State Secret - Anna Amalia and Charlotte von Stein - Beginnings - Rise and Fall of a State Minister - Flight to Italy: 'Oh, What an Error!'- Italy: 'The Turning Point' - Tasso : 'A Dangerous Undertaking' - Anna Amalia: An Outstanding Woman - David Heinrich Grave: A Human Catastrophe - Deception: Letters to 'Frau von Stein' - Frau von Stein's Literary Works - Love Poetry: Belonging to One Alone - Wilhelm Meister: 'There is Life in It' - Epilogue: 'All for Love' - Bibliography- Abbreviations- Endnotes-Index.