Allgemeine Geschichte der Literatur: Ein Handbuch in zwei Bänden (2. Band)

Johannes Scherr’s Allgemeine Geschichte der Literatur was originally conceived in the mid-19th century as a comprehensive effort to synthesize the vast breadth of global literary tradition into an accessible academic reference. Scherr, a German historian and author known for his sharp, often polemical prose, aimed to provide a narrative survey that transcended national borders. This work was a significant scholarly contribution of its time, reflecting the period's growing interest in comparative literature and the structured classification of cultural history.

The design and tone of the work reflect Scherr’s desire to balance exhaustive research with a compelling, readable style for the educated reader of his era. Throughout subsequent editions and reprints, the text has been valued for its unique critical perspective and breadth of coverage. It occupies a distinct place in the history of German literary criticism, serving as both a primary source for the intellectual climate of the late 1800s and a retrospective look at the development of world literature as an academic discipline.