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Rahel Varnhagen: The Life of a Jewess,Used
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She was, Hannah Arendt wrote, 'my closest friend, though she has been dead for some hundred years.' Born in Berlin in 1771 as the daughter of a Jewish merchant, Rahel Varnhagen would come to host one of the most prominent salons of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Arendt discovered her writings some time in the mid1920s, and soon began to reimagine Rahel's inner life and write her biography. Long unavailable and never before published as Arendt intended, Rahel Varnhagen: The Life of a Jewess returns to print in an extraordinary new edition.Arendt draws a lively and complex portrait of a woman during the period of the Napoleonic wars and the early emancipation of the Jews, a figure who met and corresponded with some of the most celebrated authors, artists, and politicians of her time. She documents Rahel's attempts to earn legitimacy as a writer and gain access to the highest aristocratic circles, to assert for herself a position in German culture in spite of her gender and religion.Arendt had almost completed a first draft of her book on Rahel by 1933 when she was forced into exile by the National Socialists. She continued her work on the manuscript in Paris and New York, but would not publish the book until 1958. Rahel Varnhagen became not just a study of a historical Jewish figure, but a poignant reflection on Arendt's own life and times, her first exploration of GermanJewish identity and the possibility of Jewish life in the face of unimaginable adversity.For this first complete critical edition of the book in any language, Liliane Weissberg reconstructs the notes Arendt planned for Rahel Varnhagen but never fully executed. She reveals the extent to which Arendt wove the biography largely from the words of Rahel and her contemporaries. In her extended introduction, Weissberg reflects on Rahel's writings and on the importance of this text in the development of Arendt's political theory. Weissberg also reveals the hidden story of how Arendt manipulated documents relating to Rahel Varnhagen to claim for herself a university position and reparation payments from the postwar German state.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book has four hundred pages. It's a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of Rahel Varnhagen.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is hardcover. This ensures durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions are six point twenty-six inches by one point twenty-six inches by nine point seventy-six inches. This size makes it suitable for reading at home or on the go.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Hannah Arendt. She is known for her profound insights into philosophical and political issues.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the Biographies and Memoirs genre. It provides an in-depth look at Rahel Varnhagen's life.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young adults? A: Yes, this book is suitable for young adults. Its themes of identity and history offer valuable insights for mature readers.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book like any other paperback or hardcover, by opening it and enjoying the text. It can be read at your own pace.
- Q: Is there any special historical context in this book? A: Yes, the book provides historical context surrounding the Napoleonic wars and Jewish emancipation. It gives readers a nuanced understanding of the era.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf, away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition over time.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any liquids that might damage the pages.
- Q: What makes this book a critical edition? A: This is a critical edition because it includes extensive notes and an introduction by Liliane Weissberg, offering additional insights into Arendt's work.
- Q: Is this book an original publication? A: No, this is not an original publication. It returns to print after being unavailable for many years and includes Arendt's intended notes.
- Q: Does this book discuss Jewish identity? A: Yes, the book discusses Jewish identity extensively. It reflects on Arendt's exploration of German-Jewish identity during a tumultuous period.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller directly for a replacement or refund. Keep all packaging for reference.
- Q: Is there a return policy for this book? A: Yes, there is typically a return policy. Check with the seller for specific terms regarding returns and exchanges.