DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Philosopher of the Heart

The Restless Life of Søren Kierkegaard

Clare Carlisle author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:5th Mar '20

Should be back in stock very soon

Philosopher of the Heart cover

Clare Carlisle's Philosopher of the Heart offers a profound exploration of Søren Kierkegaard's life and philosophy, emphasizing his emotional depth and existential inquiries.

In Philosopher of the Heart, Clare Carlisle presents a captivating biography of Søren Kierkegaard, a pivotal figure in modern philosophy often regarded as the father of existentialism. Kierkegaard's works, produced during the 1840s and 1850s, delve deeply into themes of love, suffering, courage, and faith. Unlike many of his contemporaries who viewed philosophy through a purely intellectual lens, Kierkegaard approached it from the perspective of the heart, emphasizing the emotional and existential struggles of human life. This biography not only highlights his philosophical contributions but also paints a vivid picture of his personal struggles and the context in which he wrote.

Carlisle skillfully intertwines Kierkegaard's life experiences with his philosophical insights, illustrating how his tumultuous relationships and spiritual crises informed his work. The author sheds light on Kierkegaard's complex relationship with Christianity, revealing how he sought to awaken its spiritual essence in a time when it seemed stagnant. His decision to forgo marriage for the sake of his writing and his ongoing quest for understanding amidst the chaos of life are poignantly examined, providing readers with a deeper appreciation of his motivations and the internal conflicts he faced.

As Kierkegaard grappled with the challenges of fame and his desire for solitude, he remained an enigmatic figure in Copenhagen, known yet misunderstood. Philosopher of the Heart invites readers to explore the life of a man who lived passionately and questioned deeply, ultimately leaving a profound legacy in the realm of philosophy. Through Carlisle's innovative narrative, we gain insight into Kierkegaard's assertion that while we live life forwards, we can only truly understand it by looking back.

This lucid and riveting new biography at once rescues Kierkegaard from the scholars and makes it abundantly clear why he is such an intriguing and useful figure -- Adam Phillips * Observer *
She wonderfully conveys how, pelican-like, Kierkegaard tore his philosophy from his own breast -- Jane O'Grady * Telegraph *
Philosopher of the Heart enacts Kierkegaard's audacity and verve in thinking and writing, his "new way of doing philosophy", in a thrillingly inward and intimate style -- Boyd Tonkin * Arts Desk *
One of the best biographies of modern masters by a new generation -- Daniel Johnson * Standpoint *
Superb... the sort of biography Kierkegaard himself might have written, thematic in structure rather than chronological, lucid in its narrative but not exhaustive in detail. ... Carlisle's book has its own beauty, reminding us that Kierkegaard sympathized with our own troubles, our own desires to live decent lives -- David Mason * The Hudson Review *

ISBN: 9780141984438

Dimensions: 198mm x 132mm x 20mm

Weight: 271g

368 pages