An Anthology of German Literature by Calvin Thomas is a collection of excerpts designed for students who can already read German with some ease.
Here's a breakdown of the book's key points:
- Target Audience: Learners with a basic understanding of modern German but no experience with Old or Middle German.
- Content Focus: The anthology prioritizes literary merit over historical or linguistic interest. It includes selections showcasing the "best" of German literature, rather than aiming for comprehensive coverage.
- Time Period: It covers a broad range of German literature, though for earlier periods (medieval works), Thomas provides modern German translations instead of the original text.
- Supplementary Material: Brief introductions accompany each excerpt, offering important dates and context to help students understand the piece.
- Goal: The anthology aims to introduce students to the beauty and strength of German literature, sparking their interest in exploring it further.
