This collection of studies is the result of a series of seminars organised by COMERS in 1996. The theme of generic problems has led to a variety of disciplines (Ancient Oriental, Classical, Medieval, Arabic, Middle Dutch...), of textual types (fables, historiography, comedies, Canon law...) and a variety of approaches (case studies, theoretical studies, confrontations between 'native' and 'critical' schemes...). This collection may be useful for comparative purposes, but also as an incentive for further studies on generic problems, theoretical as well as topical.