Schiller's work is largely based on historical themes; he himself held a professorship in history at the University of Jena. Thus, Schiller's changing perspective on history also influenced his literary creation. His inaugural lecture in 1789 marks a philosophical optimism about history, which later gave way to a more pessimistic view. The edition by historian Otto Dahn includes an afterword, detailed commentary, and additional materials on Schiller's thoughts about history.