In this study of poetry written in languages other than the poet's native tongue Professor Forster begins with a general survey of multilingualism and its effects on literature. This is followed by a survey of medieval examples, with the main emphasis on Latin as lingua franca and language of scholarship. In the nineteenth century the concept of language as a function of nationality arose and 'language-loyalty' came to play an important part. With Dadaism and Surrealism language once again became simply material with which the poet worked and in principle any language was as good as another....

In this short introductory book, Professor Forster examines Petrarchism as a European phenomenon transcending national boundaries.

This volume was originally published in 1948. Students of sixteenth-century Germany and its literature, in need of a text and translation of the works of Conrad Celtis, the Humanist, who wrote in Latin, will find it in Mr Forster's selection. Latin literature was in some respects a generation ahead of the vernaculars. It is in Latin that the big changes first become apparent. But in present-day education the tendency away from Latin makes it difficult for students to study this as it ought to be studied. Mr Forster, judging by his lecture-room experience, believes that there is a need and a...

A group of leading intellectuals from all parts of Germany gather in 1647 for the purpose of strengthening the last remaining bond within a divided nation-its language and literature-as the Thirty Years' War comes to an end. Afterword by Leonard Forster. Translated by Ralph Manheim. A Helen and Kurt Wolff Book