A history of German literature from its beginnings to the present day, written vividly, richly illustrated and with a constant focus on the interrelationship between literature and society. The work consists of 15 chapters written by 11 specialists, each of whom writes on his or her own subject, resulting in an inevitable diversity of style and linguistic realization, for the normalization and unification of which a conscious effort has been made. It includes comparative tables of Greek and German literature and history, tables of terms and concepts, as well as of persons and titles of works. This is a work that is both edifying and well-written and fills a gap in the relevant academic field. The reader can follow the development of German literary presence and practice through the centuries, and become acquainted with poets, prose writers and literary movements, contexts with and without deviations from other European literature.