With reference to selected English novels this book undertakes a detailed examination of the image of the artist prevalent in contemporary novels and the extent to which this image differs from those of earlier epochs. Of major significance in this connection are the radical transformation in notions about what constitutes art and the disavowal of the concept of the creative subject in post-structuralism. These two aspects also characterize the contemporary artist's effort to come to terms with the artistic legacy of the past. Affirmation of tradition and respect for the creative powers of renowned predecessors such as Shakespeare appear cheek by jowl with confessions of personal mediocrity. The image of the artist informing the novels discussed here is a portrait both of the fear of artistic failure and of the artist's yearning for genius.

The New Germany provides a picture of contemporary Germany from a variety of perspectives, establishing relationships between recent political events and society and cultural life. Contributors include distinguished specialists in German Studies, including John Sandford, Michael Patterson, Karl Koch and Charles Jeffery. Part 1 sets the scene, discussing the demise of East Germany from historical perspective and unification in terms of the social problems that have been provoked. Part 2 covers the new political structure and Germany's role as a European power as well as the social, educational and economic problems generated, especially in the east, by the western takeover of the former GDR. Part 3 is an extensive section devoted to culture and the arts, with studies of the media, literature, theatre, film and language.