'Fundamental problems such as global warming, the progressive exploitation of resources, and the disrupted ecological balance have inevitably directed attention increasingly to nature and the environment. The prevailing anthropocentric view of the world, in which humans are the measure of all things, has been shaken for a long time. This also affects the sciences, not least the humanities. Therefore, it is appropriate and an expression of our times that the publishing house Routledge has begun a new, promising scholarly series entitled "Perspectives on the Non-Human in Literature and Culture", which is launched by the present volume.' (Introduction)
