Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review“At long last a collection in English that does justice to the breadth, depth, and contemporary significance of Simmel’s writings on the arts! With many new translations and a wide-ranging introduction, Harrington’s volume portrays the influential modernist philosopher and pioneering cultural theorist in deep and critical engagement with a rapidly changing world. A powerful testament to Simmel’s conception of
philosophical culture—and to the transdisciplinary significance of a thinker whose achievements continue to resist disciplinary categorization.”
-- Elizabeth Goodstein, Emory University
“Georg Simmel is known in sociology for many things: the structure of social groups, the philosophy of money, metaphysical essays on life, individuality and social forms, the metropolis, and social differentiation. However, apart from the publication of Rembrandt in 2005, Simmel’s fascinating studies of culture, literature, and art forms have been neglected. Therefore, we owe Austin Harrington a serious debt of gratitude for editing and translating Simmel’s diverse publications on the theatre, sculpture, style and representation, and aesthetics into a single volume. In addition, I strongly recommend Harrington’s modestly entitled ‘Introduction’ as a comprehensive and meticulous commentary on Simmel and contemporary evaluations of his oeuvre. This volume will deepen and expand our understanding of the Simmel legacy for years to come.” -- Bryan S. Turner, Australian Catholic University and the Graduate Centre CUNY
"The long and detailed introduction that Harrington provides is probably one of the best introductions to Simmel's works. . . Harrington's goal of providing the reader with a complete and well-structured collection of the most important Simmel essays on art and aesthetics in just one book is fully achieved." * Simmel Studies *