Fear and Trembling: Dialectical Lyric

by Søren Kierkegaard, Alexander Jech (Translator)

Overview

"Faithful to the original Danish text and eminently readable, Jech's translation of Fear and Trembling admirably communicates the literary qualities of Kierkegaard's text, as well as his occasional fits of inspiration. Jech displays an unusual sensitivity not only to the literary/linguistic qualities of Kierkegaard’s prose, but also to his (often realized) aspirations to philosophical precision. As presented by Jech, Kierkegaard is not simply a gifted writer and speculative theologian dabbling in philosophy, but a philosopher concerned to limn the optimal role of philosophical reflection, and to do so experimentally, especially with respect to matters of morality and faith. The translation is furthermore supplemented by very helpful explanatory notes that convey Kierkegaard’s own erudition and the multiple influences upon his thinking. The Historical Glossary will become a valuable reference tool for students and scholars of Kierkegaard’s writings. It is likely to play a welcome role in encouraging an improved understanding of what Kierkegaard means when he employs his idiosyncratic categories, allusions, and vocabulary."
—Daniel Conway, Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Texas A&M University

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781647921750
Publisher:	Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Publication date:	09/06/2024
Series:	Hackett Classics
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Alexander Jech is Professor of the Practice of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame.

Editorial Reviews

"Among the many advantages of this fluent, adept translation is its robust Glossary of key excerpts from other Kierkegaardian texts, signed as well as pseudonymous. Because Fear and Trembling cannot be understood apart from the rest of Kierkegaard's writings, this feature will be exceedingly valuable to all readers."
-Rick Anthony Furtak, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Colorado College

"I am a professor of philosophy whose research partially focuses on the work of Soren Kierkegaard. For years, I've avoided teaching this work of Kierkegaard's, primarily because of how inaccessible it is as a stand-alone work. This translation, with its accompanying (unbelievably thorough) glossary of Kierkegaardian terms, has changed the game on that front. The reader of this translation will be introduced to the work via, not just a richer and more accurate English translation (although, that too), but also explicitly-drawn connections between this and the rest of the work in Kierkegaard's oeuvre. In addition to all of that, the translation is beautiful, finally doing "lyrical" service to the Dane's most influential book. Don't use any other translation. Just get this one." 
—Megan Fritts, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
 

From the Publisher