ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how Samuel Taylor Coleridge engaged with the research innovations of the Gottingen library, as well as the historical methodologies of the Gottingen School, to facilitate his collection of materials. In this examination, Lessing is not only the key subject for content, but also functions as a cipher allowing for the disentanglement of the related texts, persons, and associations of Coleridge's research paths. In addition, such a reconstructed constellation provides insight into the ways in which Coleridge himself amalgamates and develops a variety of methodologies for his own use. The Life of Lessing was a cosmopolitan project. Coleridge travelled to Gottingen for the collection of fragmented sources for importation back to England; however, in order to successfully complete this task he first needed to learn continental research methods to locate and collect pertinent sources. Leaving Germany with boxes filled with books and materials indicates that Coleridge was successful.
