Dostoyevsky Reads Hegel in Siberia and Bursts into Tears

László Földényi's new essay collection explores the continuing fallout from the collapse of religion, exploring how Enlightenment traditions have not replaced basic elements of previously held religious mythologies. He demonstrates his brilliance as an interpreter of the dark underside of Enlightenment ambition through a metaphysical melodrama between opposites.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

László Földényi, a renowned scholar of intellectual history, presents a captivating collection of essays in his latest book. Through meticulous translation by Ottilie Mulzet, Földényi weaves a profound metaphysical melodrama that explores the interplay between opposites throughout the collection. This thought-provoking work showcases Földényi's exceptional talent as an interpreter of the darker aspects of Enlightenment ambition.

In the realm of public intellectual and cultural criticism, Földényi's writings resonate with the profound insights of figures such as Montaigne, Walter Benjamin, and Thomas Mann. In this new essay collection, Földényi delves into the ongoing consequences of the decline of religion, examining how Enlightenment traditions have failed to replace essential elements of earlier religious mythologies. He recognizes that Enlightenment ideals, while offering valuable insights, have not fully addressed the metaphysical completeness and comforting purpose that religious belief once provided.

Through his writing, Földényi seeks to reclaim the beauty of language and explore the depths of human experience. He employs empathy, imagination, fascination, and a fierce sense of justice to craft exquisite prose that transports readers into new realms of understanding. The collection spans a wide range of topics, from meditations on the metaphysical unity of a sculpture group to analyses of fear as a window into our relationship with time.

Földényi's work stands as a testament to the power of intellectual inquiry and the importance of engaging with the complexities of our contemporary world. His essays offer a fresh perspective on the ongoing challenges and opportunities that arise from the collision of different belief systems and cultural traditions. By challenging our assumptions and expanding our horizons, Földényi encourages us to think critically and explore new ways of understanding the world around us.

In conclusion, László Földényi's work is a remarkable achievement that showcases his talent as a scholar and a writer. Through his profound metaphysical melodrama and his exploration of the human condition, Földényi offers readers a thought-provoking and enriching journey into the depths of intellectual history. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of the past and the present, and to engage with the challenges and opportunities of our shared human experience.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300258455