The Early Writings of Francois Hemsterhuis, 1762-1773

The first ever English translation of Francois Hemsterhuis early series of philosophical letters published during the 1760s and 1770s, including the Letter on an Antique Gemstone, Letter on Sculpture, Letter on Desires, and Letter on Man and his Relations. These letters are published chronologically to reveal Hemsterhuis' complete systematic vision, and are supplemented with three introductions that highlight their significance in the history of ideas.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The first ever English translation of Francois Hemsterhuis' early series of philosophical letters, published during the 1760s and 1770s, is presented in this edition. Chronologically published, the letters include "Letter on an Antique Gemstone," "Letter on Sculpture," "Letter on Desires," and "Letter on Man and his Relations." These letters gradually unfold Hemsterhuis' comprehensive systematic vision. To enhance the understanding of these writings, three introductions have been included. The first introduction, penned by Peter Sonderen, highlights the profound significance of Hemsterhuis' influential aesthetics. The second introduction, by Jacob van Sluis, provides the historical context for his comprehensive Letter on Man and his Relations. The third introduction, by Gabriel Trop, emphasizes the importance of these writings in the history of ideas, particularly Herder's translation and Postscript to the Letter on Desires, Diderot's commentary on the Letter on Man and his Relations, and Goethe's incorporation of Hemsterhuis' definition of beauty into his aesthetic reflections.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474486651