Weltschmerz
Pessimism in German Philosophy, 1860-1900
Frederick C. Beiser
Reviews and Awards
"Beiser's book is delightful, clear and thorough. It is written in the best style of historians of philosophy." -- Sergio Valverde, Phenomenological Reviews
"Beiser has made an important contribution to our understanding of nineteenth-century German philosophy that should be required reading of anyone who seeks to understand the full story of the German philosophical tradition in this century. It paints a detailed, rich, fascinating picture of a hitherto forgotten controversy, and one that deals with issues of value and meaning in life that touch us all."--Sandra Shapshay, Notre Dame Philosophical Review
"Overall, this is another excellent book by Beiser, unearthing another major, overlooked controversy in the history of philosophy, with a cast of insightful philosophers making arguments that deserve continued attention. Throughout, Beiser balances accessibility to non-specialists and substantive engagement with important secondary literature on Schopenhauer. He not only explains the views of the participants in this great philosophical drama, but inserts himself-and his readers-into that drama. He describes systems, arguments, and objections so richly that I often found myself interjecting my own thoughts about how one or another philosopher might respond to various objections."--Patrick R. Frierson, Journal of the History of Philosophy