Hermann Broch and Mass Hysteria: Theory and Representation in the Age of Extremes

Hermann Broch's work explores the phenomenon of mass hysteria, aiming to protect society from its allure. This first English-language monograph traces his understanding of the mass from 1918 to 1939, highlighting the relevance of his insights to contemporary audiences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 26 July 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The first comprehensive English-language study of Hermann Broch's literary and theoretical work on mass hysteria.

Winner of the 2023 Radomír Luža Prize for the Best Manuscript in Austrian/Czechoslovak Studies in the World War II Era.

Hermann Broch, an Austrian Jewish author and a prominent figure of European Modernism, dedicated decades to exploring the phenomenon of mass hysteria. His goal was to safeguard society from the allure of mass hysteria, symbolized by the fanatical appeal of National Socialism. Broch grappled with two approaches to address this issue: using literature to diagnose and expose the irrational knowledge that underpins mass hysteria, and employing theory as a more precise and effective means of achieving the same.

In this groundbreaking English-language monograph, Brett E. Sterling traces the evolution of Broch's understanding of the mass from an initial confrontation in 1918 to a recurring theme in his fiction and ultimately to the monumental but incomplete Massenwahntheorie (Theory of Mass Hysteria, 1939–48). Through meticulous readings of Broch's major fictional and theoretical works, the analysis focuses on how his literature and theory offer distinct but complementary approaches to conceiving and representing the enigmatic figure of the mass and the accompanying experience of mass hysteria.

In the context of rising political extremism and conspiratorial thinking, Sterling argues that Broch's insights into mass hysteria, both literary and theoretical, hold renewed relevance for a contemporary audience. His work sheds light on the enduring power of Broch's ideas and their potential to inform our understanding of social phenomena and the dynamics of collective behavior.

This comprehensive study is a valuable contribution to the field of literary and cultural studies, offering new perspectives on Broch's work and its enduring significance. It will appeal to scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the complexities of human behavior and the power of literature to capture the essence of historical events.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 161 x 238 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640140042