The Greek Revolution of 1821 was an event with a significant impact on Europe as well as America, creating a wave of sympathy that was not directed towards any other nation during its struggle for national emancipation.

The familiarity with the culture of ancient Greece, the ideas of the Enlightenment, and the spontaneous support for a Christian people who rose against their non-believing oppressors were evident motivations for the formation of an initial stance of solidarity towards the rebelling Greeks.

At the same time, the Greeks' struggle for independence influenced geopolitical balances and was part of the international diplomatic game of the era. The broad range of expressions of support for the Greeks gave rise to the term Philhellenism.

The study by Gunnar Hering, which constitutes the culmination of the scientific contribution of the great German historian and Hellenist, as well as a genuine Philhellene, provides a general overview of the Philhellenic movement in Europe and America.

With a synthetic approach, a hallmark of his overall research work, Hering initially defines the historical context, attempts to inventory the goals and ideological positions that co-shaped the foundation of Philhellenism, examines its organization and modes of guidance, analyzes the social backgrounds of all those who were mobilized in the Philhellenic movement, and surveys the historical, literary, and artistic works associated with Philhellenic actions.

His aim is to highlight the multidimensional nature of the movement, reinterpreting one-dimensional interpretations, particularly the one that connects it to a simplistic adoration of antiquity.