Prose of the World: Denis Diderot and the Periphery of Enlightenment

Denis Diderot was a philosopher, translator, novelist, art critic, and editor of the Encyclopédie. Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht explores his place in the legacy of the eighteenth century, showing how he coped with concerns not typically attributed to Enlightenment thought. He demonstrates how Diderot belonged to a vibrant intellectual periphery that included Lichtenberg, Goya, and Mozart, elaborating on their existential preoccupations and how they speak to us today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2021
Publisher: Stanford University Press

Denis Diderot, a multifaceted intellectual of the Enlightenment, left an indelible mark on the world through his diverse contributions as a philosopher, translator, novelist, art critic, and editor of the Encyclopédie. However, the scope and complexity of his oeuvre defy easy categorization, setting him apart from his contemporaries such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Schiller, Kant, and Hume. In his captivating book, "Diderot and the Art of Thinking," Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht delves into the enigmatic nature of Diderot's work, exploring its unique blend of concerns and the unconventional methods he employed to address them.

While Diderot shared many of the prevailing concerns of his time, his approach to these issues diverged significantly from the traditional Enlightenment mindset. Gumbrecht skillfully weaves together vivid scenes from Diderot's life, offering insightful close readings of several key works, and delving into the theme of a tension between physical perception and conceptual experience. Through this provocative and elegant exploration, Gumbrecht reveals how Diderot's intellectual periphery, which included figures such as Lichtenberg, Goya, and Mozart, shared existential preoccupations that continue to resonate with us today.

Gumbrecht's work not only sheds light on Diderot's life and work but also expands our understanding of the broader intellectual landscape of the eighteenth century. He challenges us to reevaluate our assumptions about Enlightenment thought and reveals the ways in which Diderot's contributions shaped the development of modern philosophy and culture. This thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Enlightenment, philosophy, and the complexities of human experience.

Weight: 596g
Dimension: 172 x 238 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503615250