Die tanzende Kreatur

Otto Flake (1880–1963) is one of the less well-known German writers of the first half of the 20th century. His oeuvre, one of the most extensive and diverse collections of works in German-speaking literature, has been largely forgotten since 1945. However, his works are worthy of greater scrutiny and recognition as they focus on a concept of humankind which seems to be traditional but bears the hallmarks of the aesthetical modern age. Although Flake refers to a classical humanist understanding of personality by emphasising self-reliance and individuality, he fundamentally redefines its prerequisites. In this way, he becomes part of the ‘modern project of self-realisation’, which differs from traditional ideals of harmony in many significant respects.