Goethe and Rousseau: Resonances of the Mind - Softcover

Hammer, Carl

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813152607 ISBN 13: 9780813152608

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky, 2014

Synopsis

The profound impact of Jean-Jacques Rousseau on Western thought has been frequently examined, yet the extent of Goethe's relationship to Rousseau has never before received thorough study. Carl Hammer Jr. here analyzes Goethe's works, paying particular attention to his mature production, to reveal the profound affinities of thought between these two European giants. Scholars have long recognized the direct influence of Rousseau on Goethe's first novel, Werther, but have believed that Goethe's enthusiasm waned thereafter. Hammer, in contrast, finds the affinity revealed even more strongly in Goethe's later works.

About this title

About the Author

Carl Hammer is a former government agent who for many years worked for the secret intelligence service os a European country. He later became a security consultant, and in that capacity was involved in several police investigations concerning, among other things, art theft and organized crime. He was also one of the many Western intelligence officers, volunteers and journalists who visited the Afghan mujahidin, often for extended periods, during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan during the early 1980s. At that time he also met several of the Islamic extremists who currently look up to Usamah bin Ladin as their leader and role model. His experience in the region led to an official assignment to follow and report on both the developments in Afghanistan and the Islamic extremist movement.

Edition details

• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0813152607
• ISBN 13: 9780813152608
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 232