This collection of essays is dedicated to Paul Martin Langner, Professor and Head of the Department of German Literature at the Pedagogical University of Krakow. Professor Langner, an eminent scientist in the fields of tradition history, history of culture and editorial philology as well as an expert on Friedrich Hebbel, will celebrate his 65th birthday in 2021. The event has brought together sixteen renowned academics from Germany and Poland to honour Professor Langner with their contributions. They cover the following thematic areas: reception of works by Friedrich Hebbel, cultural contacts between the West and the East, literary translation and relationships between literature, theatre and music. This thematic range reflects a variety of inspirations Professor Langner has provided as a researcher, university lecturer and friend.