The Centre for Contemporary German Literature was established in June 1993. Its programme involves the visit of three Writers-in-Residence and three German Academics to the Centre each year for periods up to one month each. After each visit the writer contributes an original piece of work, to be published in this new series. The writers in question are the leading writers of the younger generation in Germany; for the first year the Centre succeeded in attracting Peter Schneider, Volker Braun and Sarah Kirsch. The aim of the series is to produce accessible and relatively cheap introductions to contemporary German writers, while simultaneously offering new critical approaches to their work.
Each volume has the following format: 1. A previously unpublished short story, chapter, poem or essay by the Writer-in-Residence (in German). This will make the volume essential for specialists. 2. An interview with the Writer conducted during his/her stay and dealing with both general and particular issues (in German). 3. A biography of the Writer, produced with his/her assistance and containing more detailed information than is currently available (in English). 4. A detailed bibliography of primary texts and a select bibliography of secondary literature. This section would be more up-to-date than anything currently available. 5. An essay on the Writer's work by the Visiting Academic (in German). 6. Three to five essays by invited British academics who are specialists in the work of the author.
The series is primarily intended for students and teachers. The authors are leading figures in German literature. Volumes offer both basic information and an introduction to the work of the author in question, and contain new critical assessments of their work. The aim is to cover their published work in the critical essays. By publishing in both German and English, the series will offer students and A level pupils access to German terminology and debate.