Changing notions of money and language in German literature from 1509 to 1956

This study examines the multiple relations between money and language, such as: abstraction; arbitrary assignment of meaning; ready negotiability and exchangeability; and the way these issues are reflected by, and upon, in some key works of German literature. The book demonstrates how changing notions are explored, affecting not only plots and characters, but also impinging on the very language of the texts themselves. The literary investigation covers: Fortunatus, Till Eulenspiegel, Nathan der Weise, Kabale und Liebe, Peter Schlemihl, Faust II, Soll und Haben, Der grune Heinrich, Buddenbrooks, Von morgens bis mitternachts and Der Besuch der Alten Dame in the light of contemporary world view and man's role within it, socio-economic developments, monetary practice and linguistic changes, as well as linguistic reflections.