German Literature as a Transnational Field of Production, 1848-1919

The collection of essays explores the push and pull of national and international forces in the German-language cultural field of the Age of Nationalism (1848-1919),rethinking literary-cultural history and recognizing the interrelatedness of literatures and cultures across political and linguistic boundaries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The cultural formations of the so-called Age of Nationalism (1848-1919) have left an indelible mark on German-language literary studies, shaping its trajectory to this day. Literary histories, German self-representations, and the perspective from abroad offer a rich tapestry of images depicting a culture ever more focused on crafting a coherent, nationally oriented conception of its origins, history, and cultural community. However, it is important to note that even within this historical context, the German-speaking territories were not culturally self-contained. International forces played a significant role in shaping the German literary and cultural field.

To explore this intricate interplay, this volume presents fourteen case studies that shed light on the push and pull of national and international forces in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These case studies challenge the traditional narrative of literary-cultural history by recognizing the interconnectedness of literatures and cultures across political and linguistic boundaries. By viewing even overtly national literary and cultural projects as part of an international system, these case studies delve into the interrelations, organization, and positioning of the agents, forces, enterprises, and processes that constituted the German-language literary-cultural field. They locate these ostensibly national developments within an inter- or even anti-national context, providing a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics that shaped the cultural landscape of the time.

In conclusion, this volume offers a valuable contribution to the field of German-language literary studies by rethinking the historical period through the lens of national and international forces. It challenges the boundaries of traditional narratives and provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between literatures and cultures in a globalized world. By recognizing the interrelatedness of literatures and cultures across political and linguistic boundaries, this volume opens up new avenues for research and analysis, contributing to our understanding of the rich and multifaceted cultural heritage of the German-speaking world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640141001