Panopticon

Hans Magnus Enzensberger's collection of short essays explores strange aspects of our contemporary world, tying new iterations of old ideas to their antecedents and presenting himself as a seeker rather than an expert. In an era that laments the death of the public intellectual, Enzensberger is a towering figure in German literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

A captivating compilation of thought-provoking short essays delving into diverse topical themes, encompassing politics, economics, religion, society, and more. The title of this collection originates from a Cabinet of Curiosities established in Germany during the mid-1930s, reminiscent of Jeremy Bentham's renowned prison. According to Hans Magnus Enzensberger, this cabinet served as a platform for enthusiasts to marvel at a wide array of peculiarities and extraordinary inventions, including instruments of torture. Enzensberger, renowned for his mastery in essay writing, presents intricate ideas with a gentle touch, skillfully connecting new iterations of old concepts to their historical roots, quoting extensively from his forebears, and embracing his role as a seeker rather than an expert. Operating in the spirit of Montaigne, Enzensberger fearlessly guides his readers into unanticipated directions, recognizing that the journey of exploration itself can be a rewarding reward in and of itself. In a time when the public intellectual is often mourned, Enzensberger stands as a true luminary in German literature, defying the confines of the poetry or fiction section and expanding the horizons of intellectual discourse.

Dimension: 8 x 5 x 1 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803090436