A Companion to Martin Buber - by Paul Mendes-Flohr (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A definitive, international guide to the thought of the most important twentieth-century Jewish philosopher.

In his 1923 essay, I and Thou, the philosopher, theologian, and activist Martin Buber introduced a philosophy of dialogue that achieved a global, interdisciplinary resonance. For Buber, dialogue was more than a conversation; dialogue discloses something essential about our orientation and our lives with one another. This companion assembles twenty-six scholars from a dozen countries to explore Buber's international reputation and legacy in education, interfaith relations, Judaism, philosophy, politics, and psychology. The result is an essential guide to one of the most influential Jewish thinkers of the twentieth century.

Review Quotes

"Among the gifts left to us by Mendes-Flohr is this remarkable volume of essays addressing the manifold questions that kept Buber thinking and writing throughout his life, questions bearing not only on philosophy, politics, language, psychology, and education but also on one's very way of being in the world. A true companion for all readers, these essays speak not only to the scholar but also to the singular human being in their ontological vulnerability."--Eric L. Santer, University of Chicago

"Thanks to Mendes-Flohr we have in this Companion a remarkable collection of scholarly essays from all around the world on Martin Buber's philosophy of dialogue, anthropology of community, struggle for peace, and renewal of Jewish spirituality. A precious contribution to the reception of one of the most creative Jewish thinkers of the past century."--Michael Löwy, École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS)

"This companion bears the imprint of a master who listened before he spoke. Mendes-Flohr left us with a lifetime of careful work on Martin Buber, and he also mentored a new generation of scholars who bring to life a legacy forged in dialogue. Buber's range was astounding, as was Mendes-Flohr's. May this book inspire a new generation of readers to learn how to listen and carry forward this unique legacy of dialogue."--Michael Zank, Boston University

About the Author

Paul Mendes-Flohr was professor emeritus of modern Jewish thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and professor emeritus of Jewish intellectual history at the University of Chicago. He is the author or editor of many books, including A Land of Two Peoples: Martin Buber on Jews and Arabs, also published by the University of Chicago Press.