In diverse ways, Arcadian utopias led the way toward modernity in European literature. Support for this notion is provided by the studies in this volume, written by Klaus Garber. They provide examples of interdisciplinary research in the humanities that is not only independent from shifting academic theoretical models, but also exemplary in its approaches, methods, and intellectual aims. These studies are being published for the first time here. The volume represents a critical contribution to current discussions in the field of cultural studies.

The papers in this volume deal with central aspects of Simon Dacha (TM)s complete poetic works. One focus is on intensive textual interpretations, which take up topical research issues and apply their methodology to selected texts by Dach. In the process, particular attention is paid to Dacha (TM)s Modern Latin poetry, which has hitherto been neglected by research. This volume opens up many texts for research for the first time. Dacha (TM)s pro-loco disputation, the invitation to his inaugural lecture and numerous poems in German and Latin are edited with commentaries. A second focus is on aspects of the history of the aftermath and reception of his works. This volume provides the most comprehensive academic study of Simon Dach yet published, and is the first to give an overall impression of his poetic works and his influence on later writers.

The correspondence of Georg Michael Lingelsheim (1557/8-1636) and the circle he corresponded with are analyzed here with reference to the current research discussion on late humanism. Around 1600 Lingelsheim was one of the central figures in the European scholarly republic and as a senior executive official in Heidelberg was prominently involved in the denominational conflicts of the age. On the basis of his correspondence, his role in Palatine politics and above all his status in the late humanist res publica litteraria are studied as an instance of a late humanist career in an age of confessional dispute. At the same time we gain an impression of the discussions taking place among scholars of the day and of the late humanist scholarly republic. The study also includes a catalogue of all the letters to and from Lingelsheim that have come down to us and an edition of two hitherto unknown occasional poems.