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Fear and Trembling

A New Translation
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( 30,437 ratings, 2,371 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard explores the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, delving into complex themes of faith, ethics, and the anxiety that accompanies profound spiritual decisions. Through this philosophical work, Kierkegaard examines the tension between ethical duty and religious faith, offering insights into the nature of belief and the individual's relationship with the divine.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in exploring deep philosophical questions about faith, ethics, and the nature of belief. It delves into the complex relationship between the individual and deity, asking readers to contemplate the nature of true faith through engaging narrative and existential reflections. This thought-provoking journey is ideal for those captivated by philosophical and psychological introspection.

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This newly translated Fear and Trembling, a foundational document of modern philosophy and existentialism, could not be more apt for our perilous times

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

First published in 1843 under the pseudonym Johannes de silentio ("John of Silence"), Søren Kierkegaard's richly resonant Fear and Trembling has for generations stood as a pivotal text in the history of moral philosophy, inspiring such artistic and philosophical luminaries as Edvard Munch, W. H. Auden, Walter Benjamin, and existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre. Now, in our era of immense uncertainty, renowned Kierkegaard scholar Bruce H. Kirmmse eloquently brings this classic work to a new generation of readers.

Retelling the biblical story of the binding of Isaac, Fear and Trembling expounds on the ordeal of Abraham, who was commanded by God to sacrifice his own son in an exceptional test of faith. Disgusted at the self-certainty of his own age, Kierkegaard investigates the paradox underlying Abraham's decision to allow his duty to God to take precedence over his duties to his family. As Kierkegaard's narrator explains, the story presents a difficulty that is not often considered—namely, that after the ordeal is over and Isaac has been spared at the last moment, Abraham is capable of receiving him again and living normally, even joyfully, for the rest of his days. Almost inexplicably, "Abraham had faith and did not doubt."

Deftly tracing the autobiographical threads that run throughout the work, Kirmmse initially, in his lucid and engaging introduction, demystifies Kierkegaard's fictive narrator, Johannes de silentio, drawing parallels between Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and the author's personal "sacrifices." Ultimately, however, Kirmmse reveals Fear and Trembling as a fiercely polemical volume, designed to provoke the reader into considering what is actually meant by the word "faith," and whether those who consider themselves "true believers" actually are.

With a vibrancy almost never before seen in English, and "a matchless grasp of the intricacies of Kierkegaard's writing process" (Gordon Marino), Kirmmse here definitively demonstrates Kierkegaard's enduring power to illuminate the terrible wonder of faith.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard is often celebrated for its deep exploration of faith and the ethical dilemmas associated with religious belief. Critics praise the book's rich philosophical discourse, particularly its analysis of the story of Abraham and Isaac, presenting a profound meditation on the nature of faith beyond rational or ethical reasoning. Some reviews highlight its complex narrative style and suggest it is a challenging yet rewarding read for those interested in existential matters.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781324093572

Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 September 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: WW Norton & Co

Contributors:

  • Translated by Bruce H. Kirmmse
  • Introduction by Bruce H. Kirmmse
  • Translated by Bruce H. Kirmmse

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 186g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was a Danish philosopher and theologian whose work has been widely recognized as foundational both to modern psychology and existentialism. A professor emeritus at Connecticut College, Bruce H. Kirmmse has published several books and numerous articles on Kierkegaard and is general editor of Kierkegaard’s Journals and Notebooks. He lives in Randolph, New Hampshire, and Copenhagen, Denmark. A professor emeritus at Connecticut College, Bruce H. Kirmmse has published several books and numerous articles on Kierkegaard and is general editor of Kierkegaard’s Journals and Notebooks. He lives in Randolph, New Hampshire, and Copenhagen, Denmark.

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