Howard Eiland Libri

Walter Benjamin, a pivotal yet elusive intellectual of the twentieth century, crafted writings that blend philosophy, literary criticism, Marxist analysis, and theology, resisting easy classification. His career evolved from the esoteric brilliance of his early works to becoming a key voice in Weimar culture, culminating in exile where he examined modern media and urban commodity capitalism in Paris. This journey unfolded during some of the most tumultuous periods in European history, including the First World War, the Weimar Republic, and the rise of fascism. A new biography by Howard Eiland and Michael Jennings offers a comprehensive portrait of Benjamin, drawing on previously unavailable information that enriches and corrects the narrative of his extraordinary life. The authors provide extensive commentaries on his major works, such as "The Work of Art in the Age of Its Technological Reproducibility," essays on Baudelaire, and the influential study of the German Trauerspiel. This biography is poised to become the definitive reference on Benjamin, appealing to both scholars and newcomers eager to explore the complexities of his thought and the historical context in which he wrote.

Exploring the intersection of literature, film, and jazz, Howard Eiland's work delves into the dissident forces within the arts. It features a rich tapestry of influential figures, from Shakespeare to Kafka and from Dreyer to Lynch, while examining how these creators challenge conventional perceptions. Eiland's eloquent prose mirrors the aesthetic inquiry he presents, inviting readers to engage with the complexities and uncertainties of artistic expression. This original exploration is a must-read for those interested in the evolving landscape of these art forms.

Dieses umfassende Porträt Walter Benjamins zeigt ihn als wichtigen Zeugen der europäischen Moderne. Es verfolgt seine Suche nach Identität zwischen Jugendbewegung, Zionismus und Marxismus und beleuchtet seine marginalisierte Existenz. Die Biographie analysiert verschiedene Deutungen seines Werkes und gilt als Standardwerk.