Peter Watson Books

A sweeping tour of French history from the 17th century to the present day from the highly acclaimed author of The German Genius

Exploring a wide range of concepts, this book delves into the evolution of Western thought, examining significant ideas such as the belief in God and the foundations of psychoanalysis. It offers an engaging look at how these beliefs and theories have shaped philosophical discourse and influenced cultural development throughout history. The narrative provides insights into the interplay of various intellectual movements, making it a compelling read for those interested in the progression of ideas that define Western civilization.

A history of the twentieth century which covers all the ideas, people, great events, literary and artistic movements, scientific discoveries which have shaped the twentieth century. schovat popis

From Freud to Babbitt, from Animal Farm to Sartre to the Great Society, from the Theory of Relativity to counterculture to Kosovo, The Modern Mind is encyclopedic, covering the major writers, artists, scientists, and philosophers who produced the ideas by which we live. Peter Watson has produced a fluent and engaging narrative of the intellectual tradition of the twentieth century, and the men and women who created it.

"Peter Waton's virtuoso sweep through modern German thought and culture, from 1750 to the present day, will challenge and confound both the stereotypes the world has of Germany and those that German has of itself.'--Book jacket.

Combining insights from archaeology, climatology, genetics, and religious symbolism, the author presents a compelling and speculative exploration of interconnected themes. This multidisciplinary approach invites readers to consider the intricate relationships between these fields, offering a fresh perspective on historical and cultural narratives. Watson's work challenges conventional thinking, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in the intersections of science and belief.

A dazzling investigation into psychology, art and religion; the demise of capitalism; and the beginning of a new era from the author of IDEAS.

Fundiert, spannend, pointiert – das hochwertige Standardwerk für Bildungshungrige »Gott ist tot« beschied Friedrich Nietzsche im Jahr 1882. Ein Leben ohne Gott, ohne die Aussicht auf einen höheren Sinn – das gehört zu den größten Denkabenteuern der Menschheitsgeschichte. Der Atheismus mit seinen kühnen, kreativen, nicht selten egozentrischen Protagonisten wird hier von Peter Watson, dem renommierten Ideenhistoriker, als Ganzes und im geschichtlichen Kontext der Moderne erzählt. Er folgt in seiner umfassenden Darstellung jenen Wegen, die das Denken nach dem Ende aller Religion genommen hat, und erläutert, welche Antworten auf die Frage nach dem Sinn menschlicher Existenz gefunden wurden. Dichter wie Paul Valéry, Rainer Maria Rilke, Samuel Beckett, Denker wie Sigmund Freud, Künstler wie Jackson Pollock oder Robert Rauschenberg haben sich der existenziellen Ungesichertheit des Menschen gestellt. Peter Watson erinnert mit diesem Kompendium an eine Freiheit ohne Gott in einer Zeit, in der Religion ungehemmten Machtmissbrauch legitimieren soll.