With the introduction to modern German literary studies, a standard work is available that has been used by generations of students and educators since its first edition in 1976. Over more than 30 years and numerous editions, the book has maintained its excellent position in the canon of established introductory literature, not least due to the updated revisions made by Jürgen H. Petersen and Martina Wagner-Egelhaaf. It clearly and understandably presents the fundamentals of the field while also taking into account current trends in literary studies. It is aimed at both beginners and advanced students who may want to use it for their exam preparations. Special emphasis has been placed on the design of the introduction.