Uuden ajan kulttuurihistoria II: Eurooppalaisen sielun kriisi mustasta surmasta maailmansotaan asti

Cultural History #2

by Egon Friedell, Erik Ahlman (Translator)

This is the second volume of Friedell’s monumental A Cultural History of the Modern Age. A key figure in the flowering of Viennese culture between the two world wars, this three volume work is considered his masterpiece. The centuries covered in this second volume mark the victory of the scientific mind: in nature-research, language-research, politics, economics, war, even morality, poetry, and religion. All systems of thought produced in this century, either begin with the scientific outlook as their foundation or regard it as their highest and final goal. Friedell claims three main streams pervade the eighteenth century: Enlightenment, Revolution, and Classicism. In ordinary use, by "Enlightenment" we mean an extreme rationalistic tendency of which preliminary stages were noted in the seventeenth century. The term "Classicism", is well understood. Under the term "Revolution" Friedell includes all movements directed against what has been dominant and traditional. The aims of such movements were remodeling the state and society, banning all esthetic canons, and dethronement of reason by sentiment, all in the name of the "Return to Nature." The Enlightenment tendency might be seen as laying the ground for an age of revolution. This second volume continues Friedell’s dramatic history of the driving forces of the twentieth century.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Art

600 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1932

About the author

Egon Friedell (1878 - 1938) was a prominent Austrian philosopher, historian, journalist, actor, cabaret performer, and theatre critic. Described as a polymath, he took his own life shortly after the Nazis annexed Austria, jumping out of his apartment's window when the SA came to arrest him.

Reviews

[Eric Farnsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are powerless in proving--no dogmatism can refute that; we carry within us the idea of truth--no skepticism can refute that. We yearn for truth and find only uncertainty. We seek happiness and find only misery...But our misery is the result of our greatness, and our greatness the result of our misery...For man knows that he is wretched. He is wretched because he knows it; but he is great because he knows he is wretched. What a Chimera is this which we call man! Miracle, confusion, contradiction! Judge over all things and impotent earthworm, treasure-chamber of truth and dark room of uncertainty, glory and shame of the universe: let him praise himself, I will humiliate him, let him humiliate himself, I will praise him; and so persistently will I contradict him that he shall at last comprehend that he is incomprehensible.
Egon Friedell quoting Pascal in A Cultural History of the Modern Age Volume 11. Pg 68.

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Egon Friedell's "A Cultural History of the Modern Age: Volume 2, Baroque, Rococo and Enlightenment" stands as a seminal work in the field of cultural history. In this comprehensive and erudite exploration of the Baroque, Rococo, and Enlightenment periods, Friedell deftly navigates the intricate tapestry of human civilization, illuminating the intellectual, artistic, and societal developments that characterized this transformative era.

Friedell's scholarship in this volume is a testament to his profound understanding of the subject matter. His meticulous research and nuanced analysis provide readers with a profound insight into the complexities of this historical epoch. The text is steeped in primary sources, philosophical treatises, and artistic masterpieces, all seamlessly interwoven to construct a vivid panorama of the cultural landscape of the time.

One of the book's most commendable features is its remarkable clarity of exposition. Friedell's writing is both eloquent and accessible, ensuring that the work appeals to a broad audience, from scholars and students to those with a general interest in the subject. His ability to synthesize complex ideas and present them with precision is a testament to his mastery of the material.

Furthermore, Friedell's interdisciplinary approach is a standout attribute of this volume. He successfully bridges the realms of philosophy, art, literature, and history, revealing the interplay between these domains and the profound influence they had on one another during the Baroque, Rococo, and Enlightenment periods. This interdisciplinary perspective enriches the reader's understanding of the interconnectedness of cultural developments during this era.

The book's scope is ambitious, and Friedell's ability to maintain a cohesive narrative throughout is praiseworthy. It delves into the philosophical musings of figures like Descartes, Spinoza, and Voltaire, while also providing a detailed examination of artistic movements and the sociopolitical context. This holistic approach not only provides a comprehensive view of the time but also highlights the pivotal moments and key individuals who shaped it.

However, it is worth noting that the book's length and depth may prove daunting to some readers, especially those without a strong background in the subject matter. The intricate details and breadth of material might require patience and a willingness to engage with complex ideas.

“A Cultural History of the Modern Age: Volume 2, Baroque, Rococo and Enlightenment" by Egon Friedell is a scholarly masterpiece that offers a comprehensive exploration of a transformative historical period. Friedell's meticulous research, eloquent prose, and interdisciplinary perspective make this work an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the cultural dynamics that defined the Baroque, Rococo, and Enlightenment epochs. It is a testament to Friedell's enduring contribution to the field of cultural history.

GPT

[Miika · Rating 4 out of 5]

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