HOWARD EILAND is Lecturer in Literature at MIT, as well as coeditor and cotranslator of Benjamin's Arcades Project (Harvard). MICHAEL W. JENNINGS is Professor of German, Princeton University.
First things first: this is a magnificent volume. Translating the
work of a gifted translator is undoubtedly a somewhat daunting
task...Benjamin s "Selected Writings" is probably the most
outstanding editorial achievement in modern cultural history and
political thought that has been published in the last few years.
Especially intellectual and social historians of
early-twentieth-century Europe, who have traditionally not always
paid much attention to Benjamin because of the latter s
appropriation by literary theory, now have every reason to take
Benjamin s writings more seriously.--Christian J. Emden"H-Net"
(07/01/2007)
A glance at the table of contents...shows us at once Benjamin's
provocativeness and his infinite variety.--Marshall Berman "The
Nation "
Readers new to Benjamin will find this a welcome introduction to a
challenging but rewarding writer. Those already familiar with his
work will be grateful to be reminded, once again, of the wisdom of
his maxim, "all the decisive blows are struck left-handed."--Graham
McCann "Financial Times "
The edition at hand...represents the first serious attempt to
present his works with systematic chronology, judicious but
inclusive selection, and sensitively accurate translation. The
effect is nothing less than electric.--Peter Brier "Macgrill's
Literary Annual "
The final volume in this collection of the German philosopher's
writing, this title covers the last three years of Benjamin's life
and is masterfully translated, edited, and annotated. Presented
here are Benjamin's grandest themes: the arcades of Paris,
Baudelaire, the concept of remembrance, and materialist theology.
Also included is the third version of Benjamin's most famous essay,
"The Work of Art in the Age of Its Technological Reproducibility,"
which was unpublished in the author's lifetime. This essay alone
makes the volume indispensable for any scholar of interwar
literature, philosophy, or modern European thought. Together with
the first three volumes in the set (1996-2002), this is one of the
most remarkable editorial achievements in contemporary thought and
politics.--M. Uebel"Choice" (12/01/2003)
The latest volume of Havard's majestic annoted edition [is]
exhilarating...You feel smarter just holding this book in your
hand.--Michael Dirda "Washington Post Book World "
The variety of subjects and the grace of a style that shines though
even in translation help explain Benjamin's reputation as one of
our... shrewdest commentators on literature and culture.--Frank Day
"South Caroline Review "
There is nothing like Benjamin, and I can hardly imagine a more
rewarding book being published this year.--David Wheatley "Irish
Times (Dublin) "
Walter Benjamin's "Selected Writings, Volume 4, 1938-40" brings to
a conclusion the magisterial series published by the Belknap Press
of Harvard University Press.--Ciaran Carson"The Guardian"
(12/06/2003)
Whenever [Benjamin] turned his incisive gaze...the clarity of
morning's first light shines forth.--Haim Chertok "Jerusalem Post
"
Harvard's systematic presentation of the work of German cultural
critic Benjamin has proved a revelation...This is another splendid
volume.
Whenever ÝBenjamin¨ turned his incisive gaze...the clarity of
morning's first light shines forth. -- Haim Chertok "Jerusalem
Post"
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