The concept of mimesis in literature, with its roots tracing back to classical antiquity and Aristotle, remains a cornerstone of literary theory. Yet, it's in the more recent development of German philological traditions that we locate Erich Auerbach, a pivotal figure who embodies these scholarly trajectories. Emerging from the rich soil of nineteenth-century philology, which gained prominence in European academic circles, Auerbach's approach reflects a lineage that extends to biblical exegesis. This scholarly tradition, particularly the detailed scriptural analyses practiced by Talmudic scholars, laid the groundwork for a diverse range of literary scholarship.

Auerbach's work is often acclaimed as a continuation of the esteemed European tradition, akin to the critical endeavors of early twentieth-century linguistic scholars like Karl Vossler, Leo Spitzer, and Benedetto Croce. These critics perpetuated a legacy where "Europe is a constant interrogation," its literature perpetually ripe for fresh scrutiny and reinterpretation.

Auerbach’s seminal work, Mimesis, echoes some methods of the New Critics, especially their hallmark of close textual scrutiny that dominated American literary academia from the 1920s onward. However, Auerbach marks a departure by transcending mere textual analysis. He acknowledges an interplay between literature and the external world, suggesting that literature not only reflects but also interacts with reality through the artist's conscious mediation. This interaction imbues literary works with a dynamism and immediacy that purely textual approaches might overlook.

Reviewers and scholars have lauded Auerbach for his profound analytical capacity, viewing his work as a deep exploration of the human spirit as articulated through language and literature. His ability to connect textual nuances with broader existential and cultural realities sets his scholarship apart, making it an enduring and insightful contribution to the study of literature.