Twenty Eulogies for German Authors. Despite the German feuilleton and the art of every blurb writer, one must unfortunately say: "The majority of all books have been and still are bad." This, of course, does not apply to those discussed in this book, as it contains "nothing but eulogies." Marcel Reich-Ranicki compiled it to demonstrate, through the example of twenty German authors, how well he understands the art of praise. He felt compelled to do so because he was repeatedly portrayed by a harmony-seeking public as a literary executioner, a poet critic, and an enraged figure. However, those who fear that the brilliant critic turned a blind eye or let things slide while writing these speeches will fortunately be mistaken. Even when he praises, Reich-Ranicki is precise.