Manesse

Walter Meier founded Manesse Library of World Literature in 1944 with the vision of making world literature available in German translation in order to build a bridge between cultures in the midst of global chaos. His selection of authors from "enemy countries" such as Russia alongside German writers such as Goethe was intended to show that despite cultural and linguistic differences, the basic themes of humanity are universal. Meier believed that literature could help promote understanding and empathy between nations by illuminating the common human experience. By publishing works from countries that were considered enemies, he wanted to illustrate that people, regardless of their origin, go through similar emotional and existential challenges. His vision aimed to break down nationalistic barriers and offer readers a deeper insight into the universal themes of life. In this way, Manesse Verlag became a place of cultural understanding in a world torn apart.