Literature

in general, all recorded knowledge or thought. In a narrower sense, literature includes only that class of writings in which form and expression are essential features. A work must give expression to ideas of universal and permanent interest and must have literary "style," that is, beauty, power, and individuality of expression, before it may be literature.

To understand and appreciate fully the literature of any nation, the language must be understood. To translate a great work requires gifts on the part of the translator akin to those of the author. Translations are, however, of help in acquiring a general knowledge of the literatures of other countries. Some little idea of what various nations have produced in the way of literature is necessary for a well informed person. The following sketches are necessarily brief, and aim to give only the more important names and the more striking features in the development of the literature of each country.