ABSTRACT
WHEN German literature is spoken of, few are aware of the prominent part Austria played in its formation, not only in modern times but more especially during the Middle Ages. The traditional picture of the gemütlicher—happy-go-lucky Austrian—has given rise to the proverb: “In Austria beats the German heart, in Berlin the German brain.” But Austrian history and literature tell another story, for they were not created by dreams and tender melancholy alone, but by heroic deed. Placed between East and West, Austria, and especially Vienna, has been the stage of many a mighty conflict.
