Walter Benjamin and the Idea of Natural History

Eli Friedlander's book explores Walter Benjamin's corpus to demonstrate how he questions how humans belong to nature. It argues that Benjamin explores the natural in the human, how nature is transformed, actualized, redeemed, and overcome in human existence. The book progresses from Benjamin's fundamental writings on language and nature to his Goethean empiricism and presents new readings of his major works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In his groundbreaking new work, Eli Friedlander delves into the profound and enduring philosophical inquiry that permeates Walter Benjamin's entire corpus, spanning from his early to late writings. Through a meticulous examination of seemingly diverse texts, Friedlander establishes a compelling argument that Benjamin consistently explores the essence of what it means for humans to belong to nature. This exploration encompasses the transformation, realization, redemption, and transcendence of nature within human existence. The book unfolds gradually, moving from Benjamin's philosophically foundational writings on language and nature to his Goethean empiricism, from the presentation of ideas to the primal history of the Paris arcades. Friedlander's meticulous analysis unveils how the concept of natural history shapes Benjamin's understanding of art and its critique, his diagnosis of the mythical violence inherent in legal systems, his account of the body and its actions, material culture, and technology, as well as his distinctive vision of historical materialism.

Featuring insightful new readings of Benjamin's major works that deviate from prevailing interpretations, this book unveils the internal coherence and philosophical depth of Benjamin's thought. It sheds light on the interconnectedness of his ideas and their profound impact on the fields of philosophy, art, and society. By delving into the intricacies of Benjamin's writings, Friedlander offers a fresh perspective that challenges readers to reevaluate their understanding of the natural world, human existence, and the role of art in shaping our collective consciousness.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503636552