Deshima is an annual thematic journal that publishes contributions on the artistic, literary, historical, and cultural dimensions of Northern countries, with “the North” understood in its broadest sense. This includes, in particular, countries bordering the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Greenland Sea, and the Barents Sea, and may also encompass former colonies or colonial relationships of Nordic or Dutch-speaking countries. Its focus on this geographical area makes the journal unique, as other periodicals tend to separate Scandinavian/Nordic studies from Dutch-language studies. The originality of Deshima thus lies in its broad consideration of Northern Europe and in its comparative perspective that extends beyond national boundaries.
The journal aims to establish this geographical area as a shared field of scholarship (Northern European Studies) by publishing contributions in French or English that address one of these two linguistic and cultural spheres, preferably from a comparative standpoint. Deshima welcomes work on any topic related to these regions and publishes both theoretical articles and case studies, without restrictions regarding period.
Each issue features a thematic section, with all contributions published only after double-blind peer review. This section is followed by a group of miscellaneous articles (“Savants mélanges”), which are subject to the same review process, and by translations of excerpts from literary texts (“Arts et lettres”) that highlight recently published works in French translation (including advance publications of translations in preparation, with permission from the publisher).
The journal is published in both print and digital formats and is intended for researchers and scholars in the relevant fields, as well as for all readers interested in the Humanities. It is published by Presses Universitaires de Strasbourg (PUS).