Benjamin, Adorno, and the Experience of Literature

This insightful examination of two pivotal philosophers showcases how their literary encounters shaped their philosophical ideas. Benjamin, Adorno, and the Experience of Literature presents a unique perspective on their work.

This book delves into the essays and correspondence of Walter Benjamin and Theodor Adorno, focusing on their insights about literature. Together, the essays illustrate that these two towering figures of 20th-century philosophy were not merely philosophers who wrote about literature; rather, they shaped their philosophical outlooks through their literary encounters. Their reflections reveal a profound interconnection between philosophy and literature that enriches both fields.

Benjamin, Adorno, and the Experience of Literature is structured into three thematic sections. The first section highlights how literature influenced the thoughts of Benjamin and Adorno, exploring key themes such as mimesis, the critique of historical progress, and the complexities of experience. Through their readings of notable literary figures like Baudelaire, Beckett, and Proust, the essays illuminate the centrality of literature in their philosophical development.

The second section continues this exploration by focusing on their interpretations of Kafka, whose work significantly shaped their critique of capitalism. The final section addresses what it means to achieve genuine critical insight into literary works, examining Benjamin's responses to authors like Georg Büchner and Robert Walser. This book offers a distinctive perspective on the interplay between philosophy and literature, making it a valuable resource for scholars in philosophy, literature, and German studies.