Following various death throes and reconceptualisations, contemporary comparative literature has become confusing. In view of this situation, this book aims to reassure itself of the fundamental concepts of comparative literature and to critically examine definitions of the subject as they have been presented in important programme texts. In the first part of the book, central comparative concepts such as border and foreignness as well as the comparative activity of comparison are clarified. The second part is historically oriented and concentrates on text-related studies of relevant programme texts that have decisively shaped the concept of comparative literature in the 20th century. Individual chapters are devoted to H. M. Posnett, F. Baldensperger, P. v. Tieghem, R. Wellek, H. Remak, R. Etiemble, G. Steiner, C. Bernheimer and the Damrosch/Spivak controversy. In terms of research history, the book thus contributes building blocks to a comprehensive history of comparative literature, which is still lacking. In terms of university didactics, the book is also suitable for use in seminars due to its concentration on a manageable number of texts.