Erdmann Neumeister, an important writer of the German Protestant church hymns at the turn of the eighteenth century and "inventor" of the madrigal cantata for sacred use, was also one of the earliest German literary historians. As he later became an orthodox Lutheran theologian, his poetic endeavors in the galant (erotic) manner can be seen as a passing phase of his younger years, but sustained interest in the theoretical aspect of poetic expression is discernible throughout his life and informs his sermons as well as his hymns and theological writings. His gift for writing poetry and his dexterity in handling meter, rhyme, and other technical aspects of its production enabled him to judge other authors' works with some expertise. His extensive reading further enhanced his skill in literary criticism. His rare multifaceted abilities have often been noted, as has the impossibility of placing him in the literary categories...