Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 2. The Romantic School in Germany

A Danish scholar tackles the towering world of German Romanticism, offering a panoramic yet focused look at the movement’s key figures and texts. He acknowledges the daunting task of navigating a tradition steeped in native scholarship, and instead brings an outsider’s eye to the distinctive “German” imprint that often escapes native critics. By tracing the intimate link between literature and the lived experience of its creators, he aims to reveal the hidden emotional currents that give the era its enduring power.

The work balances rigorous analysis with vivid storytelling, turning abstract ideas into personal portraits that capture the restless spirit of the time. It also reaches beyond pure literary criticism, touching on the moral, social, and religious debates that the Romantic wave ignited. Listeners will discover a richly textured portrait of a period where poetry and philosophy collide, presented with clarity and a keen appreciation for the complexity of human feeling.