Übeltäter, trockne Schleicher, Lichtgestalten

Only in the details can one recognize the wonders of literature: Peter von Matt's invitation to rediscover the world through reading.

Those who want to learn how literature offers a different perspective on the seemingly familiar world should turn to Peter von Matt. Even in the unremarkable details of a text, he uncovers an idea that often proves difficult to articulate: Where does the desire for wastefulness come from? How does stupidity function? What is the significance of family secrets? Great literature, from Shakespeare, Goethe, and Chamisso, provides ample material for this, but one can also find insights in the "Magic Flute" or "Struwwelpeter." Even in the concise form of the essay, Peter von Matt unfolds entire worlds – the temptation to keep reading is hard to resist.