Eckermann

Eckermann, Johann Peter (1792-1854), a German man of letters born in Hanover, and known chiefly as the friend and editor, and to some extent biographer, of Goethe. After a year in the army and two years in the Hanoverian war office, he became a student, and shortly afterwards published a work upon Goethe, who thereupon employed him to prepare an edition of the poet's works. In 1830 he travelled with Goethe's sons, and in 1839 - brought out a complete edition of the poet's works. His Conversations with Goethe are highly valued, and have been widely translated.