Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 1. The Emigrant Literature

Name: Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 1. The Emigrant Literature
Author: Georg Brandes

By Georg Brandes

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About This Book

The author sketches a psychology of early nineteenth-century European literature, arguing that writers reacted against eighteenth-century ideas and that a comparative study of French, German, and English currents reveals six main literary groups. He examines exile and émigré writings inspired by Rousseau; semi-Catholic and militant reactionary Romanticism; the revival associated with Byron and his English contemporaries; the emergence of the French Romantic school; and the liberal Young Germany movement. Chapters combine close readings and biographical portraits of key figures, tracing themes of exile, political crisis, artistic renewal, and the interplay between individual sensibility and historical forces.

About the Author

Georg Brandes

Georg Brandes (1842-1927) was a Danish literary critic and essayist, known for his influential role in introducing modern literary ideas to Scandinavia. He is particularly recognized for his extensive work, "Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature," which analyzes the evolution of literature during that period across various countries. Brandes championed naturalism and realism, advocating for a more critical and analytical approach to literature. His biographical studies, including those of notable figures like Anatole France and Friedrich Nietzsche, reflect his deep engagement with contemporary thought. In addition to his critical work, Brandes also penned autobiographical reflections in "Recollections of My Childhood and Youth," offering insights into his formative years.