Description
Book SynopsisThis rich, expansive book reaches beyond philosophy to literature and the history of ideas. Nihilism is associated most frequently with twentieth-century movements, but Jon Stewart shows that a tradition of nineteenth-century nihilism actually predated and anticipated developments like existentialism and postmodernism.
Trade Review'Jon Stewart's A History of Nihilism in the Nineteenth Century presents a remarkable new interpretation of the development of thinking about the problem of the meaninglessness of the human condition that is referred to as nihilism. This concept is usually associated with twentieth-century existentialism, but Stewart traces how the crisis of meaning arose far earlier, namely as a result of the development of Enlightenment science which undermined traditional religious belief. Insight after insight is gained into the different dimensions of nihilism by means of close readings of key thinkers and writers of the nineteenth century. In experiencing the amazing amplitude of scope of the source-critical work and the creative interpretive turns that come as the narrative unfolds, one senses being in the presence of an author of significant humanity and erudition.' Curtis L. Thompson, Thiel College
'A History of Nihilism in the Nineteenth Century delivers a comprehensive, balanced survey of the leading philosophical and literary attempts to grapple with the concept of nothingness. Stewart's erudition is on full display as he sheds new light on well-known theorists of nihilism, e.g., Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Turgenev, while elevating the contributions of neglected figures, e.g., Klingemann, Büchner, and Møller. Students and scholars alike will appreciate Stewart's clear, engaging, and jargon-free exposition of one of the defining ideas of the nineteenth century. An impressive achievement by any measure.' Daniel Conway, Texas A&M University
Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Jean Paul's Vision of Nihilism and Plea for the Doctrine of Immortality; 2. Klingemann and the Absurdity of Nothingness in The Nightwatches; 3. Nihilism in English Romanticism: Byron and Shelley; 4. Schopenhauer's Theory of Human Suffering and Lack of Meaning; 5. Büchner's Account of the Reign of Terror as a Mirror of Human Existence; 6. Poul Martin Møller's Criticism of Hegelianism and the Danish Discussion of Nihilism; 7. Kierkegaard and the Indefinability and Inexplicability of Death; 8. Turgenev's Portrait of a Nihilist; 9. Nietzsche's Vision of the Past and the Future of Nihilism; 10. The Importance of Nihilism in the Nineteenth Century.
