Gems (?) of German Thought   By: William Archer (1856-1924)

In "Gems (?) of German Thought" by William Archer, readers are introduced to a collection of translated literary works and philosophical texts from prominent German thinkers. Archer's intention with this book is to showcase the depth and richness of German intellectual tradition, highlighting the ideas and philosophies that have shaped the country's cultural landscape.

One of the strengths of this anthology lies in the meticulous selection process undertaken by the author. Archer presents an impressive array of works, ranging from Friedrich Schiller's insightful essays to Friedrich Nietzsche's captivating prose. By encompassing a variety of genres and themes, he offers readers a comprehensive overview of German intellectual thought.

Archer's translations are commendable, as they manage to capture the essence and nuances of each author's writing style. The reader is transported to the world of German philosophy and literature, gaining valuable insights into the minds of influential figures such as Arthur Schopenhauer and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Furthermore, Archer provides detailed introductions and commentaries that help contextualize each work, thus aiding readers in their understanding and appreciation of these dense texts.

However, one potential drawback of "Gems (?) of German Thought" is the ambiguity surrounding the book's title. While the meaning behind the question mark (?) remains unclear, it could be interpreted as an attempt to spark readers' curiosity and encourage them to delve deeper into the ideas presented. Nevertheless, a more explicit title would have been preferable, as it could have better conveyed the essence of the anthology and attracted the attention of individuals specifically interested in German philosophy.

Another minor issue arises from Archer's omission of certain key figures from the German intellectual tradition. Notable thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Martin Heidegger, who have significantly shaped German thought, are regrettably absent from this compilation. Although Archer undoubtedly faced constraints in terms of the number of works he could include, the absence of these influential philosophers does leave a small gap in the overall representation of German intellectual history.

Overall, "Gems (?) of German Thought" is a commendable anthology, effectively highlighting the profound contributions of German thinkers to various disciplines. William Archer's meticulous selection of texts, combined with his insightful commentaries, creates a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the depths of German philosophy and literature. Despite the book's somewhat ambiguous title and the absence of a few notable figures, this anthology serves as a comprehensive introduction to the wealth of intellectual thought that Germany has produced over the centuries.

First Page:

Thor stood at the midnight end of the world, His battle mace flew from his hand: "So far as my clangorous hammer I've hurled Mine are the sea and the land!" And onward hurtled the mighty sledge O'er the wide, wide earth, to fall At last on the Southland's furthest edge In token that His was all... Continue reading book >>