This book investigates the multifaceted and often contradictory representations of time and temporality within European modernist and avant-garde literature from 1900 to 1950. It aims to address the existing gap in systematic understanding by presenting a collection of scholarly papers that explore the diverse forms and functions of time as articulated by authors of this pivotal literary period. The work acknowledges that while modernists were not the first to grapple with these concepts, their reflections have profoundly shaped contemporary views on the subject.

This collection of scholarly papers, stemming from a conference at the University of Leuven, offers a deep dive into the complex topic of time and temporality in modernist literature. The work is structured to provide a multi-layered perspective, acknowledging the inherent contradictions and varied approaches taken by authors of the period. By presenting these diverse viewpoints, the book seeks to contribute to a more systematic understanding of how time was conceived and represented in early 20th-century European writing. The collection's focus on the foundational impact of modernist thought on contemporary views of temporality positions it as a valuable resource for literary scholars.