The Exile of Language - (Maimonides Library for Philosophy and Religion) by Libera Pisano (Hardcover)

About the Book

The Exile of Language uncovers early twentieth-century German-Jewish thinkers such as Fritz Mauthner, Gustav Landauer, Margarete Susman, Franz Rosenzweig, and Walter Benjamin. Their sceptical and diasporic approach to language challenges traditional notions of national belonging, offering fresh insights into the dynamic interplay of identity and community.

Book Synopsis

The Exile of Language uncovers a hidden chapter in the history of philosophy, where early twentieth-century German-Jewish thinkers such as Fritz Mauthner, Gustav Landauer, Margarete Susman, Franz Rosenzweig, and Walter Benjamin grappled with the inherent tension of their intertwined identities. The study of these thinkers reveals how a sceptical and diasporic approach to language can question and reshape traditional concepts of belonging, purity, and nation. By confronting the myth of autochthony, their critiques of linguistic and national idolatry offer a fresh lens for reimagining politics in our times. This narrative blends philosophical depth with groundbreaking insights, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamic interplay of language, identity, and community.