Periods in German Literature: v. 1 - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0854960325 ISBN 13: 9780854960323

Publisher: Oswald Wolff Books, 1967

Synopsis

Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism: such terms are in regular use, however much we might dislike them. Fresh scrutiny of these terms is constantly necessary, particularly in view of their differing significance as applied to various European literatures. This book is therefore not a history of literature in the normal sense but a discussion of the various periods and movements of German literature from the 17th century to the present day in the light of the latest research. While there are obvious dangers in such an approach, these are far outweighed by the advantages. The once despised Baroque for example is subjected to a wide-ranging reappraisal which results in a great widening of our literary horizons. Rococo literature too, for generations condemned as unnatural, insincere and Frenchified, is at last properly appreciated for its wit and irony, lightness and grace. Naturalism was another movement long rejected as foreign and un-German. Yet, as now becomes clear, it changed the direction of European drama and clearly marked the beginnings of what is called modern literature in Germany. In the same way Expressionism was for years for years dismissed as the Sturm und Drang outburst of a violent age. It too is at last accorded a just assessment of its undoubted achievements. But this book is not a rescue operation concerned with the neglected or rejected areas of German literature. It is a demonstration that even the recognised and the known like Classicism and Romanticism are in constant need of review and reappraisal in the light of newer knowledge and research. Above all, however, it must be stressed that this book is not a history of literature seeking to give exhaustive coverage to all aspects of German culture from the 17th century to the present day. Many important periods are not discussed or even mentioned, for example the period from the take-over of power by the Nazis till the end of the Second World War. However, well-known figures move freely from one chapter to another; the divisions are far from rigid and the overlapping is intentionally considerable. In addition, every encouragement is given to see links between the various chapters by the provision of an extensive subject, author and title index. This book has proved to be of interest not only to students but also to the general reader for whom translations have been provided for all prose and poetry quoted; prose translations are printed in the text; in the case of poetry the original is printed in the text, the translation in the notes.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oswald Wolff Books
• Publication date: 1967
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0854960325
• ISBN 13: 9780854960323
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320
• Editor: Ritchie J. M.