Carl-Ritter-Forschungen

Abstract

In 1959 geographers in Germany and all over the world will commemorate the centenary of the death of Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) and Carl Ritter (1779-1859), those two foremost representatives of German geography. In view of this forthcoming event the paper aims to stimulate Carl Ritter studies and for that reason his works are first reviewed in historical sequence. Although Ritter found almost unlimited acknowledgement during his lifetime, after his death, mainly through 0. Peschel's influence, his reputation diminished. A close scrutiny shows, however, the weakness of Peschel's criticism which nevertheless at the time was an expression of current opinion. Later geographers like H. Wagner, F. Marthe, and E. Wisotzki introduced a more just appreciation of Ritter. He has once more been acknowledged by the recent school of German geography mainly through the research of E. Plewe and H. Schmitthenner. In a separate section some single problems of Carl Ritter studies are discussed, for instance Ritter's relationship with Goethe, Ritter as a ,university teacher, and others. A detailed bibliography cites a great number of publications whose consideration is essential for the study of Carl Ritter. Amongst these are also included twelve unknown papers by Karl Simons, one of Ritter's descendants