Introduction

The introductory chapter focuses on the transnational character of European literatures in the long nineteenth century (roughly the period 1770–1914). Due to new and cheaper printing techniques and the growth of modern forms of transport, literary works were read more widely, and “travelled” across national borders, either in their original language or in translation. The improved modes of transport which increased authors’ and readers’ opportunities to travel led to a wider impact of texts and notions of literature across national boundaries. This rendered an international community of readers, who were connected across borders through the books, poems, magazines and stories they consumed. At the same time, literature played an important role in shaping national cultures as well. For despite the transnational nature of many cultural trends and developments, literature was also perceived as the ultimate expression of national values and traditions.