Walter Benjamin

By Howard Eiland, Michael W. Jennings,

Book cover of Walter Benjamin: A Critical Life

Book description

Walter Benjamin is one of the twentieth century's most important intellectuals, and also one of its most elusive. His writings-mosaics incorporating philosophy, literary criticism, Marxist analysis, and a syncretistic theology-defy simple categorization. And his mobile, often improvised existence has proven irresistible to mythologizers. His writing career moved from the brilliant…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep the lights on. Or join the rebellion as a member.

Why read it?

1 author picked Walter Benjamin as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This remarkable biography has been hugely important to me in the understanding of the great German writer and critic Walter Benjamin. His essays, particularly on the 19th century Arcades, were the basis of my study, "A Human Comedy, Physiognomy and Caricature in 19th century Paris". Eiland and Jennings biography, based on enormous research, introduce us to this complex and enigmatic character and his brilliant criticism.

They provide a revealing portrait of his brief life in the shadow of European catastrophe. Their consummate understanding of Benjamin’s complex layered work gives new insight into this highly influential thinker. A scholarly…

From Judith's list on anthology that bring sources to light.

Want books like Walter Benjamin?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Walter Benjamin.

Browse books like Walter Benjamin

Book cover of Kafka: I Am a Memory Come Alive: Autobiographical Writings
Book cover of The Future of Nostalgia
Book cover of Martin Buber: A Life of Faith and Dissent

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,118

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Walter Benjamin, Paris, and Germany?

Walter Benjamin 14 books
Paris 389 books
Germany 491 books