Theodore Ziolkowski Livres

"It is not sufficiently appreciated, I believe, how profoundly Clio, the muse of history, permeated every aspect of thought during the Romantic era: philosophy, theology, law, natural science, medicine, and all other fields of intellectual endeavor.... Thoughtful students of the period well understand that 'Romanticism' is not merely a literary or aesthetic movement but, rather, a general climate of opinion."--from the IntroductionIn a book certain to be of interest to readers in many disciplines, the distinguished scholar Theodore Ziolkowski shows how a strong impulse toward historical concerns was formalized in the four German academic faculties: philosophy, theology, law, and medicine/biology. In Clio the Romantic Muse, he focuses on representative figures in whose early work the sense of history was first manifested: G. W. F. Hegel, Barthold Georg Niebuhr, Friedrich Karl von Savigny, Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph von Schelling, and Friedrich Schleiermacher. Through biographical treatments of these and other leading German scholars, Ziolkowski traces how the disciplines became historicized in the period 1790-1810. He goes on to suggest how powerfully the Romantic thinkers influenced their disciples in the twentieth century.

Exploring the intriguing choice of towers as retreats by four prominent poets and thinkers after World War I, this book delves into the cultural significance and biographical motivations behind their decisions. It connects modern turriphilia to historical towers, examining associations with spirituality, intellect, sexuality, and isolation. The narrative spans from ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats to the ivory towers of the fin de siècle, offering a rich context for understanding the symbolic meanings attached to these structures throughout history.

Ziolkowski explores the essence of conspiracy fiction, supporting Umberto Eco's idea that its core lies in an elusive "secret without content." Through thorough investigation, he delves into how this concept shapes narratives, revealing the underlying mechanics and allure of conspiracies in literature. The analysis highlights the paradox of seeking meaning in secrets that ultimately may hold no tangible truth, inviting readers to reconsider their perceptions of storytelling and mystery.

In Gilgamesh among Us, Theodore Ziolkowski explores the surprising legacy of the poem and its hero, as well as the epic's continuing influence in modern letters and arts.

Exploring the myths of Adam, Prometheus, and Faust, this book delves into their significance in shaping Western thought and their relevance in today's technology-driven world. Theodore Ziolkowski analyzes how these narratives reflect ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Christian cultures' responses to the quest for knowledge, highlighting their common roots in trickster legends. The work also investigates the evolution of these themes in modern literature, revealing a persistent awareness of the ethical dilemmas associated with the pursuit of knowledge.

The book explores the evolution of the alchemist's portrayal in literature, tracing its representation from Dante's era to modern times. It highlights the shifting perceptions and cultural significance of the alchemist throughout history, revealing how societal attitudes have influenced literary depictions of this enigmatic figure.

Exploring the intersection of literature and law, this book delves into significant literary works from antiquity to the modern era that illustrate pivotal crises in Western legal evolution. It examines themes such as the transition to a legal society in The Eumenides, the adaptation of Germanic law in Njal's Saga, and the tensions between law and morality in Antigone and The Merchant of Venice. The analysis also covers the impact of totalitarianism and anarchism in the twentieth century, providing a rich context for understanding legal transformation through literature.

This scholarly work delves into the influence of Roman poetry on contemporary Anglo-American, German, and French poets from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It examines how these modern writers have adopted and adapted ancient Roman poetic forms and themes, highlighting the enduring legacy of classical literature in shaping modern poetic expression. Through analysis, the book reveals the intersection of historical tradition and modern creativity in poetry.

This book presents a unique framework by organizing European Romanticism into distinct "stages," providing a cohesive understanding of its evolution over fifty years. It explores the movement's growth and eventual decline, highlighting key developments and shifts in artistic and literary expression during this transformative period.