Poetry and philosophy author talk set March 25
Dr. Marjorie Perloff, renowned scholar of global literature, will join the Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books at 12 p.m., Saturday, March 25, via Zoom for a live, online conversation about her new translation of the journals of Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein.
During the pandemic, Perloff found her mind drawn to the profound observations on life and death in Wittgenstein’s (1889-1951) wartime diaries. Upon learning these notebooks had never been published in English, the Viennese-born Perloff determinedly set about translating them. This historic work presents Wittgenstein’s first-person recollections from his time as a foot soldier in the Austrian army, fresh from studying philosophy at Cambridge. In grappling with these experiences, he developed a bold philosophy that drew meaning from his many brushes with death. Perloff’s brilliant translation and illuminating commentary make “Private Notebooks: 1914-1916” an invaluable resource for understanding Wittgenstein.
The conversation, presented by the journals Attention and Philosophical Investigations, will be introduced by Ron Collins, Lewes library distinguished lecturer, and editor of Attention. Perloff will be interviewed by Dr. Mario von der Ruhr, editor in chief of Philosophical Investigations.
Perloff is professor emerita of English at Stanford University and the Florence R. Scott Professor of English emerita at the University of Southern California. She is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society, and has long taught and written about 20th and 21st century poetry and poetics.
Registration is required at tinyurl.com/zoomwithauthors or the library website, lewes.lib.de.us. Participants will be asked to select virtual or in-person attendance.
Participants are encouraged to support the author by purchasing a copy of the book from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books. Each copy will be signed. Orders may be placed online at browseaboutbooks.com, by calling the store at 302-226-2665, or in person at 133 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach.
