The literary-philosophical works of Walter Benjamin rank among the most quietly influential of the post-war era, though only since his death has Benjamin achieved the fame and critical currency outside his native Germany accorded him by a select few during his lifetime. Now he is widely held to have possessed one of the most acute and original minds of the Central European culture decimated by the Nazis.
'Illuminations' contains his two most celebrated essays, "The World of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" and "Theses on the Philosophy of History," as well as others on the art of translation, Kafka, storytelling, Baudelaire, Brecht's epic theatre, Proust and an anatomy of his own obsession, book collection. The essay is Benjamin's domain; those collected in this now legendary volume offer the best possible access to his singular and significant achievement.
