The reception history of the controversial author, who was stigmatized due to his homosexuality, has been made the subject of research numerous times; however, not all chapters have been fully explored. Even for topics that appear to be exhausted, there remain prejudices to be countered and gaps to be filled. This situation is addressed by the contributions to this volume, whose specific character is also defined by the emphasis placed on Platen s connection to Italy, his home of choice, and by reflections made not only on the German, but also on the mostly forgotten Italian-Platen reception."