Eugen Diederichs (1867-1930) was, like few others, a literary strategist, tireless source of inspiration, distinctive book designer, and publicist on all pressing contemporary issues. In short, he was a "fiery mediator" (Thomas Mann). The rediscovery of Hölderlin and German Romanticism is attributed to him, as well as a revival of medieval mysticism and philosophical antiquity, the first translation of Stendhal's "Le Rouge et le Noir," and the introduction of the works of Tolstoy, Chekhov, and Gorky. He was also involved in the transfer of great philosophers such as Kierkegaard and Bergson. He co-founded the German Werkbund and presided over the legendary Serakreis. As an early advocate of a "world culture," he familiarized readers with Chinese, Indian, and African classical works. He championed both the Italian culture of the Cinquecento and the saga literature of the high north.