Various authors (Dromel, Lorenz, Petersen, Wechssler, Pinder, Drerup, Mannheim, and so on) have addressed the theme of the generations, but it is Ortega y Gasset who must be recognized for having established in his theory of generations the key to understanding the intrinsic movement of the historical process. (31) 

In: Historiological Discussions, Silo, 

Chapter 3: History and Temporality, 3.2 Horizon and Temporal Landscape

Julius Petersen (1878 - 1941)

Topics

• German literary history: Petersen was a professor of German literary history at the University of Berlin and director of the Germanic Seminar. This indicates a focus in the research and teaching of German literature.

• Theatre studies: He headed the newly founded Institute for Theatre Studies, initially together with Max Herrmann and later alone. He was committed to the development of theatre studies as an independent discipline.

• Literary theory and methodology: Petersen addressed fundamental issues in literary studies. This is evident in works such as ‘Literaturgeschichte als Wissenschaft’ (Literary History as a Science) and his contributions to ‘Literaturwissenschaft und Deutschkunde’ (Literary Studies and German Studies).

Major works

• ‘The essence of German Romanticism‘ (1926)

• ‘Fontane's first Berlin social novel’ (1929)

• ‘The literary generations‘ (1930)

• ‘The science of poetry’ (year not specified)

• Petersen also played a major role in the publication of important editions:

He worked on the historical-critical edition of Hölderlin's works, which was published between 1943 and 1985

He prepared the first volume (Poems 1796-1799) of the Schiller National Edition, which has been published since 1943

Influence

He had a significant influence on German studies and literary studies through his methodological approaches and scientific contributions:

1. Structural approach: Julius Petersen was known for his structural approach to literary studies. He placed a high value on the systematic analysis of literary works and the study of their formal and substantive structures. This approach contributed to the establishment of literary studies as a systematic and analytical discipline.

2. Contribution to Goethe research: Petersen made significant contributions to Goethe research. He analysed and interpreted Goethe's works and contributed to a deeper understanding of Goethe's literary work. His works on Goethe are still important for German studies today.

3. Influence on German studies as an academic discipline: Petersen influenced the formation and development of German studies as an academic discipline through his work as a professor and his scientific publications. Many of his students and colleagues were influenced by his approaches and methods.

4. Co-editor of major works: Petersen was co-editor of several important scientific publications and journals. These publications helped to promote new research approaches and discussions in literary studies.

5. Interdisciplinary approaches: Julius Petersen also advocated for interdisciplinary approaches in literary studies by establishing connections between literature, philosophy, history and other disciplines. This broadened the understanding of literary texts and their contextualisation.

Petersen's work has thus contributed significantly to the development of literary studies as an analytical and systematic discipline and influenced subsequent generations of literary scholars. Petersen examined the dynamics between older and younger generations, particularly with regard to literary traditions and innovations. By considering specific authors and works, he showed how historical and social change shaped literature. His approach had a far-reaching influence on German studies and history and continues to be used particularly in the sociology of literature and historical literary studies.