German Romantic Literary Theory (Cambridge Studies in German)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: New Ed, 1/12/2008
EAN 9780521021913, ISBN10: 052102191X
Paperback, 372 pages, 21.6 x 13.8 x 2.1 cm
Language: English
The emergence of a new theory of literature in the German Romantic period constituted a decisive turning point in the history of criticism. Prepared by new trends in critical thought during the latter half of the eighteenth century, a view of the literary work and the artistic process developed which diverged sharply from the dominant classicist understanding of aesthetics and poetics. It recognised the infinite changeability of genres, their constant mingling, and the frequent emergence of new literary forms, and asserted the rights of genius and creative imagination. It was also characterised by its intimate connection with the prevailing philosophy of its time, transcendental idealism. Professor Behler provides a new account of this crucial movement, illustrating each theoretical topic with close reference to a characteristic work by a major writer of the period.
Preface
List of abbreviations
Chronology of early Romanticism
Introduction
1. Formation and main representatives of early Romanticism in Germany
2. Poetry in the early Romantic theory of the Schlegel brothers
3. The theory of Romantic poetry
4. Novalis and the mystical dimension of early Romantic theory
5. Wackenroder's and Tieck's conceptions of painting and music
6. Theory of language, hermeneutics, and encyclopaedistics
7. Conclusion
early German Romanticism and literary modernity
Notes
Bibliography
Index of works cited
Index of subjects and names.