Theodor Lessing Book order

Set against the backdrop of the 1923-1925 French occupation of the Ruhr, this collection by Theodor Lessing offers a poignant critique of post-First World War Germany's struggles. Through a blend of short stories, satires, novellas, and poetry, it serves as a powerful warning about the repercussions of reparations and occupation. Written a decade before Hitler's rise, this work not only reflects the political climate of its time but also foreshadows the tumultuous events that would follow, making it a significant historical commentary.

This new edition makes Theodor Lessing's seminal work Der Judische Selbsthass accessible to English readers for the first time, supplemented with explanatory footnotes by translator Peter Appelbaum and illustrative essays by historian Sander L. Gilman and German scholar Paul Reitter.

The book explores the profound struggle between life and death, highlighting the duality of being both judge and victim. It delves into the philosophical journey of Nietzsche, who saw Schopenhauer's philosophy not merely as an alternative worldview but as a significant destiny. The narrative emphasizes the transformative power of philosophy, suggesting that it can shape one's fate without the need for extensive academic study. The work also reflects on Theodor Lessing's contributions as a German philosopher and political commentator, enriching the discourse on existential themes.