oil sketch in art and Chopin ’ s études being appreciated as finished works of art . Also , so interesting to read more about the veneration ( in Germany ) of Shakespeare and his inspiration to break rules and behave more instinctively and emotionally and the role August Wilhelm and Caroline played in Shakespeare ’ s reception here , abroad and even in England .
The key role of women , especially Caroline ’ s ability to draw people together was amazing — what a life in any epoch — but I would have liked a few concrete quotes to back up Wulf ’ s allusion to her “ razor sharp wit ” or ability to “ astutely dissect a play or poem .” I hadn ’ t either realized the role Mme . de Staël played in disseminating German Romantic ideas and establishing Germany ’ s reputation as a land of idealists and thinkers .” Holly Todd
“ I see Magnificent Rebels as a book that tries to remind us of the beginning of a special moment in history . The euphoria of the French Revolution has faded , but the intellectuals ( philosophers ) have begun to understand what it meant . For the first time , the people could be free ! This was the birth of the Ich movement . At the same time , naturalists and scientists saw the possibility of traveling and discovering for themselves the “ other Ich ,” Nature . The book isn ’ t meant to teach about the different philosophers in depth , but to rouse our curiosity to a town in Germany , where this group of thinkers were united , and which was the center of future movements . Jena was a little town with an open-minded university .“ Tanés Harders
“ What I love about the AWCH book club is how very often I ’ ve gotten totally immersed in a book that I never , ever would have picked up on my own . That was the case with Magnificent Rebels . The book covers literary and cultural themes and historical subjects with an engaging writing style and brings to life a part of German history that had a ripple effect throughout the world . Even better , of course , is the chance to meet with others to share our impressions and to learn from one another ( and to exchange other podcast and book recommendations !). It ’ s always a pleasure and a fun way to get out of a reading rut .” Sara Naumann
“ I think Wulf did a great job of introducing me to all these great thinkers and creators , and their place in history , in a really accessible way . The discussion it provoked was great ! I really appreciate the depth of knowledge we have within the group , and I loved how everyone had different experiences with these Jena folk to draw on .” Michaela Anchan
“ High regards for the sheer amount of work Andrea Wulf shows as a gifted historian in researching and writing this book , digging through over a thousand letters and sources in digital archives during the pandemic . The Jena Set does everything together and is turned on by communal working — they eat , sleep , love , work , party together . Andrea Wulf has called the Schlegel House Germany ’ s first commune .
I was curious to explore the origins of the “ Invention of the Self ,“ and I found this book worth reading . Whatever and wherever the origins are , Wulf says it is not like the way we think of the self today . It was not a narcissistic celebration of the self , but more , Who am I as an individual ? Who am I as a member of community of society ? How can I fulfill my dreams but be a good member of society ?” Venita Kaleps
34 CLUBS WITHIN OUR CLUB