Modern literature contains a conspicuously large number of lists, catalogues and other enumerative forms. What functions do they perform? What do we actually do when we enumerate? Inventorise? Classify? Describe? Recite a litany? Memorise?... And when does this become art?

Prof. Dr. Sabine Mainberger, Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft, Universität Bonn.