Because the category of 'late style' is extremely common in literary studies, it is often used uncritically. This is indicated by the simple fact that the relevant reference books have no entries on the concept. This volume aims to delineate phenomenon of late style as sharply as possible. Its contributions (in English and German) go beyond the widespread use of the term as a biographical or epochal benchmark in order to determine the aesthetic and functional principles that govern its application. In this connection, Goethe's work provides an outstanding field for theoretical exploration....
Because the category of 'late style' is extremely common in literary studies, it is often used uncritically. This is indicated by the simple fact t...