Walter Benjamin: An Introduction to His Work and Thought

by Uwe Steiner, Michael Winkler (Translation)

Seven decades after his death, German Jewish writer, philosopher, and literary critic Walter Benjamin (1892–1940) continues to fascinate and influence. Here Uwe Steiner offers a comprehensive and sophisticated introduction to the oeuvre of this intriguing theorist.

Acknowledged only by a small circle of intellectuals during his lifetime, Benjamin is now a major figure whose work is essential to an understanding of modernity. Steiner traces the development of Benjamin’s thought chronologically through his writings on philosophy, literature, history, politics, the media, art, photography, cinema, technology, and theology. Walter Benjamin reveals the essential coherence of its subject’s thinking while also analyzing the controversial or puzzling facets of Benjamin’s work. That coherence, Steiner contends, can best be appreciated by placing Benjamin in his proper context as a member of the German philosophical tradition and a participant in contemporary intellectual debates.

As Benjamin’s writing attracts more and more readers in the English-speaking world, Walter Benjamin will be a valuable guide to this fascinating body of work.

248 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2010

Reviews

[Damian · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is nothing really new in this book. As far as an introduction, or even an overview I highly advise going with the Cambridge Introduction to Walter Benjamin by David Ferris.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

not too impressed , the adorno version of this text was better. I should just delve in already.