German-Language Nature Writing from Eighteenth Century to the Present: Controversies, Positions, Perspectives (Literatures, Cultures, and the Environment)

This volume examines the topic of German-language nature writing in a broad historical context spanning more than two centuries. It brings together contributions on the debates of the category 'Nature Writing’ by numerous renowned international scholars. It discusses literary texts of natural history, nature exploration, nature poetry perception and reflection by German-speaking authors since the 18th century, including texts by Ulrike Draesner and on Esther Kinsky’s writing. The book asks whether the here discussed texts can, should, or may also be labeled as 'Nature Writing' and how this new perspective on German literary history might change traditional classifications such as “Naturlyrik” (nature poetry) in German literary history.

Gabriele Dürbeck is Professor of Literature and Culture Studies at the University of Vechta, Germany.

Christine Kanz is Professor of Modern German Literature within the “Cluster Mitte” co-operation in Linz and Salzburg, Austria and is Visiting Professor at Ghent University, Belgium.