Germany in the Eighteenth-Century: The Social Backgound of the Literary Revival

Abstract

Part I. Political Structure and System of Government: 1. 'Kleinstaaterei' 2. Benevolent despotism Part II. The Old Order of Society - Nobility and Peasantry: 1. The nobility in general 2. Courts and courtiers 3. The agrarian economy 4. The peasant 5. The country gentleman Part III. The New Order of Society - The Middle Class: 1. Retrospect 2. German trade and industry in the eighteenth century and its chief centres 3. Municipal government and the structure of town society 4. Architecture of the towns. Private life, outlook and education of the townsmen 5. The professional class Part IV. Reactions on Literature: 1. The profession of letters 2. The influence of political, economic and social factors on literature Appendices Bibliography Supplementary bibliography Index.