Primitive Thinking: Figuring Alterity in German Modernity

by Nicola Gess, Erik Butler (translator), Susan Solomon (translator)

This book examines the discourse on 'primitive thinking' in early twentieth century Germany. It explores texts from the social sciences, writings on art and language and - most centrally - literary works by Robert Musil, Walter Benjamin, Gottfried Benn and Robert Müller, focusing on three figurations of alterity prominent in European indigenous cultures, children, and the mentally ill.

403 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2024