The Cartography of the Political Novel in Europe

In the CAPONEU research consortium, researchers and practitioners examine how a specific literary genre (the political novel) deals with political issues in various national and cultural contexts, thereby shaping the perception of local and global politics. The project’s goal is to assess the political novel as an important element of the European cultural heritage and as a tool for community building and European advocacy. The consortium brings together an interdisciplinary research team that seeks not only to unpack the rich literary heritage of the 20th century but also (through collaboration with a wide range of actors) to make the political novel relevant to our present.

The joint project is coordinated by the University of Zagreb and includes research groups from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, the University of Cambridge, the University of Brighton, the University of Nicosia, the ZfL and the research organization Autonomy. The consortium aims to establish a new journal that will deal with the various facets of the relationship between literature and politics. CAPONEU also works with literary institutions and libraries. In monthly book clubs in Zagreb and Berlin, contemporary European novels that deal with political issues are discussed. In various locations, the CAPONEU team works with schools, not only analyzing the content and political implications of reading recommendations in the education system, but also developing new ones.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.