Benjamin and Brecht: The Story of a Friendship

by Erdmut Wizisla, Erdmut Wizisla

A fascinating account of the friendship between two of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century

Germany in the mid 1920s, a place and time of looming turmoil, brought together Walter Benjamin—acclaimed critic and extraordinary literary theorist—and Bertolt Brecht, one of the twentieth century’s most influential playwrights. It was a friendship that would shape their writing for the rest of their lives.

In this groundbreaking work, Erdmut Wizisla explores what this relationship meant for them personally and professionally, as well as the effect it had on those around them. From the first meeting between Benjamin and Brecht to their experiences in exile, these eventful lives are illuminated by personal correspondence, journal entries and private miscellany—including previously unpublished materials—detailing the friends’ electric discussions of their collaboration. Wizisla delves into the archives of other luminaries in the distinguished constellation of writers and artists in Weimar Germany, which included Margarete Steffin, Theodor Adorno, Ernst Bloch and Hannah Arendt. Wizisla’s account of this friendship opens a window on nearly two decades of European intellectual life.

Genres: Biography, Philosophy, Theory, Nonfiction, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This account of the friendship between Bertolt Brecht and Walter Benjamin, and their influence on each other, is academic and scholarly but nevertheless accessibly written – even though probably not for the casual reader. The book explores in depth what the relationship meant to each of them, both professionally and personally. Benjamin’s admiration for Brecht is more well-known than perhaps Brecht’s for Benjamin, but it is clear from the research that they held each other in high esteem. The intellectual and cultural life of Germany at that time forms the backdrop to the narrative, and places both writers in their historical context. The author is the director of the Bertolt Brecht Archive in Berlin as well as the Walter Benjamin Archives. He has used the letters and journals from the archives for the book, which gives it both authority and credibility. It wasn’t an easy read, but I learnt much from it and would recommend it to serious readers interested in either or both of these iconic figures of 20th century German culture.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in the intellectual and cultural history of the German-speaking countries between the World Wars, this title is self-recommending. It is academic but readable, very detailed and totally hardcore.