SOURCE: Hofe, Harold von. “August Wilhelm Schlegel and the New World.” Germanic Review 35, no. 4 (December 1960): 279-87.

In the following essay, Hofe considers Schlegel's diverse and thoughtful treatment of America and American themes in his writing.

In the monographs and articles on America in German literature and thought August Wilhelm Schlegel is either misrepresented or not mentioned;¹ in the critical and biographical studies of Schlegel, America is ignored. A revaluation of the part which the New World played in his life and works is needed, for abundant pertinent material is contained in his verse, critiques, essays, and letters.

Schlegel actually thought of emigrating to the United States with Caroline in 1795² and, from 1809 to 1811, of finding refuge in the United States with Madame de Staël.³ Clemens Brentano wrote to Joseph Görres in 1811 that Schlegel's departure was imminent: “Adieu Shakespeare und Calderon, bald werden wir amerikanische Sonette lesen und...