Major figures of nineteenth-century Austrian literature /

Daviau (Univ. of California, Riverside) correctly observes that to include Austrian literature under the rubric "German literature" does a disservice to both traditions. Nonetheless, even recently published reference works (e.g., Dictionary of Literary Biography) include Austrian authors in volumes devoted to German writers. Ariadne addresses this fallacy in its series "Studies in Austrian Literature, Culture, and Thought," in which this volume is the fifth of seven (e.g., see also Major Figures of Turn-of-the-Century Austrian Literature, CH, Sep'91, and Major Figures of Modern Austrian Literature, CH, May'89, both edited by Daviau); the series constitutes the essential English-language reference work on Austrian literature. Although each volume does not print a general introduction to the entire series, Daviau's overview to the present volume will give even the general reader a good understanding of the political, social, and intellectual currents that define the era. He solicited contributions from well-established academic authorities (including Karl J.R. Arndt, now deceased), who provide informative, well-written, and concise discussions of the work of 15 selected authors. The accompanying individual bibliographies are valuable, particularly as a first step for further research. Likely to remain indispensable for many years, this volume and its companions are recommended for students of literature at all levels and for general readers seeking an introduction to Austrian literature. C. L. Dolmetsch; Marshall University