The Early Writings of Francois Hemsterhuis, 1762-1773
Francois Hemsterhuis author Daniel Whistler translator Jacob van Sluis translator Daniel Whistler editor Jacob van Sluis editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Edinburgh University Press
Published:17th Jan '22
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This critical edition publishes Hemsterhuis’ 'Letter on an Antique Gemstone', 'Letter on Sculpture', 'Letter on Desires', 'Letter on Man and his Relations' and 'Philosophical Description of the Character of the Late Mr. F. Fagel' chronologically to gradually reveal Hemsterhuis’ complete systematic vision. These letters are supplemented by three introductions. The first by Peter Sonderen pinpoints the significance of Hemsterhuis’ remarkably influential aesthetics. The second by Jacob van Sluis provides the context to 'Letter on Man and his Relations'. And the third by Gabriel Trop focuses on the importance of these writings in the history of ideas, especially Herder’s translation and ‘Postscript’ to the 'Letter on Desires', Diderot’s commentary on the 'Letter on Man and his Relations' and Goethe’s incorporation of Hemsterhuis’ definition of beauty into his aesthetic reflections.
The presentation of these volumes is expectedly excellent. The editors’experience with pulling understudied thinkers into the Anglophone context is well established at this point, and their treatment of Hemsterhuis is no exception. The essays that accompany these translations are all astute and appreciative commentaries, which help lend important context to the material itself. [...] Anyone interested in learning more about Hemsterhuis, or indeed about the history and continued importance of 18th and 19th century European philosophy, should read these volumes, introductions and all. -- Luke R. Moffat, Lancaster University * Symphilosophie 5 (2023) *
Francois Hemsterhuis’ philosophical output, consisting of letters and Platonic dialogues published in French during the 1760s to 80s, has remained something of a Geheimtipp among experts of German Idealism. This expertly introduced and annotated, first translation into English of Hemsterhuis’ Philosophical Works brilliantly demonstrates it deserves a much wider audience. -- Wiep van Bunge, Erasmus University Rotterdam
ISBN: 9781474486651
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
182 pages