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