The Redemption of Things: Collecting and Dispersal in German Realism and Modernism

Collecting gives permanence, unity, and meaning to scattered and ephemeral objects, but it also involves displacing, immobilizing, and potentially disfiguring them. Samuel Frederick's book "The Redemption of Things" explores this paradox by focusing on objects that challenge notions of collectability, such as ephemera, detritus, and trivialities. Through close readings of works by various authors and an experimental film, Frederick demonstrates how collecting can be a poetic activity that makes the world of scattered things uniquely palpable and knowable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Collecting is often perceived as an activity that bestows permanence, unity, and meaning on otherwise scattered and ephemeral objects. However, in Samuel Frederick's book "The Redemption of Things," he emphasizes that collecting things also involves displacing, immobilizing, and potentially disfiguring them. He argues that the dispersal of objects, which may seem antithetical to the collector's task, is essential to the logic of gathering and preservation.

Through meticulous close readings of works by various authors, such as Gotthelf, Stifter, Keller, Rilke, Glauser, and Frisch, as well as an experimental film by Oskar Fischinger, Frederick illustrates how the difficulties posed by these fleeting, fragile, and forsaken objects help to reconceptualize collecting as a poetic activity that makes the world of scattered things uniquely palpable and knowable.

Frederick explores how collecting can be seen as a means of redeeming the transient and forgotten aspects of existence. He argues that by collecting these objects, we can create a sense of connection and intimacy with the past, even as we acknowledge the inevitable loss and decay that accompany the process of gathering and preservation.

One of the key themes in "The Redemption of Things" is the idea of the "forgotten object." Frederick argues that many objects that are considered trivial or unimportant by society are actually rich in meaning and significance. He explores how these objects can be seen as a testament to the human experience and the complexities of the world we live in.

For example, Frederick examines the collection of moss, which is often dismissed as a mere nuisance or an eyesore. However, he shows how moss can be seen as a symbol of resilience and endurance, as it can grow in the most unlikely places and survive in harsh conditions. He also explores how moss can be used as a metaphor for the human body, as it is often overlooked or taken for granted, but is essential for maintaining physical health and vitality.

Similarly, Frederick examines the collection of detritus, which is often seen as a sign of pollution or waste. However, he shows how detritus can be seen as a source of creativity and inspiration, as artists and designers have used it to create beautiful and innovative works of art. He also explores how detritus can be used as a metaphor for the human mind, as it is often filled with thoughts and ideas that are forgotten or ignored, but can be valuable sources of knowledge and insight.

In addition to examining the collection of specific objects, Frederick also examines the broader cultural implications of collecting. He argues that collecting can be seen as a way of asserting cultural identity and heritage, as well as a means of connecting with others who share similar interests and values. He explores how collecting can be used as a tool for social activism and change, as well as a means of preserving and promoting cultural traditions and practices.

Overall, "The Redemption of Things" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges our assumptions about collecting and the objects we collect. By examining the paradoxes and complexities of collecting, Frederick offers a new perspective on the human experience and the world we live in. Through his meticulous close readings and experimental film, he demonstrates how collecting can be seen as a poetic activity that makes the world of scattered things uniquely palpable and knowable.

Weight: 28g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501761560