Private Notebooks: 1914-1916

Marjorie Perloff, a renowned scholar of global literature, translated the wartime diaries of Ludwig Wittgenstein, providing a unique insight into the early stages of his philosophy and personal experiences during World War I. This historic edition, published for the first time in English, offers a first-person perspective of a foot soldier in the Austrian Army, revealing his struggles with hazing, sexuality, and the formation of his explosive analytical philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2022
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Marjorie Perloff, a renowned scholar of global literature, found herself irresistibly drawn to the profound commentary on life and death in the wartime diaries of the eminent philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951). Upon discovering that these notebooks, which provide invaluable context for the early stages of his masterpiece, the Tractatus-Logico-Philosophicus, had never been published in English, Perloff, born in Vienna, made a resolute decision to translate them.

This historic, en-face edition presents the first-person recollections of a foot soldier in the Austrian Army, fresh from his days as a philosophy student at Cambridge, who must navigate the hazing of his fellow soldiers, the stirrings of a forbidden sexuality, and the formation of an explosive analytical philosophy that seemed to draw meaning from his countless brushes with death. Much like Tolstoy's The Gospel in Brief, Private Notebooks takes us on a personal journey of discovery as it expands our knowledge of Wittgenstein himself.

The diaries, written during the summer of 1914 and spanning several years, offer a unique insight into Wittgenstein's personal experiences and philosophical development. The soldier, who initially studied philosophy at Cambridge, recounts his struggles with the hazing of his fellow soldiers, his exploration of his sexuality, and his gradual transformation into a philosopher.

Through his vivid descriptions and introspective reflections, Wittgenstein reveals his deep understanding of the human condition and his commitment to finding meaning in life's uncertainties. His notebooks are filled with philosophical musings, observations, and anecdotes, showcasing his sharp intellect and his ability to connect seemingly disparate ideas.

Perloff's translation of the diaries is masterful, capturing the essence of Wittgenstein's language and tone while preserving the historical context and nuances of the original text. She provides extensive footnotes and an introduction that sheds light on Wittgenstein's life and work, making this edition an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Private Notebooks not only offers a glimpse into Wittgenstein's personal life but also provides a profound reflection on the nature of philosophy and the role of the individual in the world. It challenges our assumptions about the relationship between philosophy and the military, and it encourages us to think critically about the ethical and philosophical implications of war.

In conclusion, Marjorie Perloff's translation of Ludwig Wittgenstein's wartime diaries is a remarkable achievement that brings the philosopher's thought to a wider audience. Through her meticulous work, Perloff has provided us with a unique window into Wittgenstein's mind and a deeper understanding of his philosophical legacy. This edition is a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, history, or the human condition.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 239 x 160 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324090809