The Emergence of German as a Literary Language 1700–1775

Dr Blackall's 1959 book cuts across the usual distinction between 'literature' and 'linguistics' in the study of modern languages.

Eric A. Blackall (Author)

9781107600744, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 June 2011

552 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.1 cm, 0.8 kg

Originally published in 1959, Dr Blackall's book cuts across the usual distinction between 'literature' and 'linguistics' in the study of modern languages. The importance of Dr Blackall's remarkable study is that one is shown both sides in this interplay in convincing detail. The study will be of interest to any student of German literature or history. It sheds light on the eighteenth century and the general movement from seventeenth-century language to ease, pliability and grace, and then to the tremendous literary achievement of the age of Goethe. Dr Blackall starts with the provincialism and confusion of German in the early eighteenth century. He examines in detail the arguments of critics, philosophers and poets who attempted to establish new standards. He discusses the principal works of literature from this special point of view. He ends with the young Goethe, the required genius who confirmed and magnificently exceeded the careful advances of his predecessors.

Foreword
Textual notes
List of abbreviations
1. The vindication of the language
2. The language of philosophy
3. The literary journals
4. The stabilisation of the language
5. The theory of the prose style
6. The development of narrative prose
7. The language of poetry
8. The development of the poetical medium
9. The revival of metaphor
10. The grand manner
11. The prose of maturity
12. The culture of wit and feeling
13. The mystical approach
14. The return to origins
15. The golden touch
General index
Index to secondary literature.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]