The poet Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis) (1772-1801) exemplifies romantic ideals in his nostalgic yearning for spiritual fulfillment and, in doing so, invokes the language of authentic mystics. While romantics and mystics believe in the common goal of original union, the path toward wholeness has led them down separate roads, which, it may be argued, have converged only linguistically. This book, therefore, emphasizes the importance of examining metaphors in their respective traditions.

The Author: Veronica G. Freeman is Assistant Professor of German at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, and received her Ph.D. in German studies from the University of Florida. Her research interests include German romanticism, mysticism, the Swiss philosopher Max Picard, and environmental and sustainability issues in modern German society.