Agents of Change? Leftist Publishing Houses in West Germany since the 1970s — Between Revolutionary Ideals and the Realities of Publishing. The Example of Edition Nautilus
This dissertation project examines the relationship between the political convictions of the publishers of Edition Nautilus—a leftist, independent, and collectively organized publishing house in the Federal Republic of Germany—and both its publishing program and operational practices. It explores how the publishers navigated the tension between revolutionary ideals and the practical realities of running a publishing house, and considers whether left-wing publishers can be regarded as agents or supporters of social transformation.
Methodologically, the study adopts a multi-perspective approach to publishing history, drawing on the previously unexplored archives of Edition Nautilus and highlighting the significance of political factors. This approach integrates biographical, economic, and contemporary-historical perspectives, focusing on both the political convictions of the individuals involved and the political content of their publications.
The project aims to demonstrate a connection between revolutionary aspirations and publishing practice, producing a modern, contextually grounded history of Edition Nautilus that situates the publisher within the literary marketplace and broader historical contexts. It illuminates the everyday realities of publishing within a leftist, collectively organized, and largely under-researched publishing house. By focusing on this case study, the dissertation highlights the mutual influence between literature and society and contributes to the study of political publishing. In particular, it examines the role of left-wing publishers in processes of resistance, revolt, and social change, thereby advancing the understanding of the literary field in recent history.
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Kai Sina and Prof. Dr. Corinna Norrick-Rühl