Mr Zed’s Reflections
Reflections from a Park Philosopher
Hans Magnus Enzensberger author Wieland Hoban translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Seagull Books London Ltd
Published:24th Apr '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This collection features the conversations of Mr. Zed, a park philosopher who challenges societal norms and provokes thought in passersby.
In this captivating work, readers are introduced to Mr. Zed, a round man who occupies a park bench in the city each afternoon for nearly a year. With a keen sense of humor and sharp intellect, he engages with those who pass by, offering a blend of wit and philosophical insights. His presence raises questions about identity and perception, as people wonder whether he is a mere entertainer, a wise philosopher, or something else entirely. While some choose to ignore him, others find themselves drawn into his world, often leaving with new perspectives and notes filled with his thought-provoking sayings.
Mr. Zed’s interactions are marked by a subversive energy that challenges societal norms and authority. He does not shy away from difficult topics, instead confronting them head-on, often prompting others to reflect on their own beliefs and biases. His approach is refreshingly honest; he admits his mistakes and dismisses the idea of absolute truths. This makes him a relatable figure, someone who resonates with the struggles and doubts of everyday life.
As the seasons change and the weather turns cold, Mr. Zed’s time in the park comes to an end. His disappearance leaves a void, prompting readers to ponder the impact of his fleeting presence. This collection of his conversations serves as a reminder of the importance of dialogue and reflection in a world often dominated by noise and certainty.
“Enzensberger’s Mr. Zed, part teacher and part wisecracker, represents a plea for reasonableness, the deflation of extremes, the admission of folly, and a return to the middle path. With humor, variety, nimble turns, and the terse cadences of his prose, Enzensberger has created a thoughtful entertainment that gleefully grates against the headlines and antagonisms of our global news and media culture —as well as against the cultivation of grievances.” * On the Seawall *
“Enzensberger is a confident old master who does this sort of thing very well, and Mr. Zed’s Reflections is very entertaining. Along the way, Enzensberger manages also to be consistently—if very gently—thought-provoking, making for an eminently worthwhile read that is also very good fun.” * Complete Review *
ISBN: 9780857428219
Dimensions: 203mm x 127mm x 15mm
Weight: unknown
144 pages