Demityzacja XIX wieku we współczesnej powieści niemieckojęzycznej
Demythologisation of the 19th Century in the Contemporary German Novel

Summary/Abstract: The article presents contemporary German historical novels: “Measuring the World” by Daniel Kehlmann, “Ein liebender Mann” (“A Loving Man”) by Martin Walser, “Imperium” by Christian Kracht, “Koala” by Lukas Bärfuss and “Pfaueninsel” (“Peacock Island”) by Thomas Hettche. These novels criticise the popular myths of the 19th century: the myth of science, great authorities, colonial policy, fascination with exoticism, and romantic love. The new historical novel appears not only to be a critical project concerning past discourses, but also a diagnosis of contemporary historiography. Writing about the 19th century is a dialectic strategy: on the one hand, critically directed against the myths of the century, on the other hand, full of nostalgia, manifested in the return to the classic conventions of historical, travel, and adventure novels, which are employed by contemporary writers.

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