The story behind the Werther effect is highly intriguing and chilling. In 1774, the giant of German literature, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, published a novel titled The Sorrows of Young Werther (German: Die Leiden des jungen Werthers). Finished in six weeks of intensive writing during January–March 1774, the novel instantly made the 24-year-old Goethe one [Read Story]