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'Even the biographical individual is a social category', wrote Adorno. 'It can only be defined in a living context together with others.' In this major new biography, Stefan Muller-Doohm turns this maxim back on Adorno himself and provides a rich and comprehensive account of the life and work of one of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century. This authoritative biography ranges across the whole of Adorno's life and career, from his childhood and student years to his years in emigration in the United States and his return to postwar Germany. At the same time, Muller-Doohm examines the

This book, first published in 1984, was the first full biography of Solzhenitsyn. Starting with his childhood, it covers every period of his life in considerable detail, showing how Solzhenitsyn's development paralleled and mirrored the development of Soviet society: ambitious and idealistic in the twenties and thirties, preoccupied with the struggle for survival in the forties, hopeful in the fifties and sixties and disillusioned in the seventies. Solzhenitsyn's life thus serves as a paradigm for the history of twentieth-century Communism and for the intelligentsia's attitudes to Communism. At the same time, this book relates Solzhenitsyn's life to his works, all of which contain a large element of autobiography.

At its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, Detroit's status as epicenter of the American auto industry made it a vibrant, populous, commercial hub-and then the bottom fell out. Detroit: A Biography takes a long, unflinching look at the evolution of one of America's great cities and one of the nation's greatest urban failures. This authoritative yet accessible narrative seeks to explain how the city grew to become the heart of American industry and how its utter collapse-from nearly two million residents in 1950 to less than 715,000 some six decades later-resulted from a confluence of public policie

Many consider conscience to be one of the most important-if not the fundamental-quality that makes us human, distinguishing us from animals, on one hand, and machines on the other. But what is conscience, exactly? Is it a product of our biological roots, as Darwin thought, or is it a purely social invention? If the latter, how did it come into the world?In this biography of that most elusive human element, Martin van Creveld explores conscience throughout history, ranging across numerous subjects, from human rights to health to the environment. Along the way he considers the evolution of consc

Many consider conscience to be one of the most important-if not the fundamental-quality that makes us human, distinguishing us from animals, on one hand, and machines on the other. But what is conscience, exactly? Is it a product of our biological roots, as Darwin thought, or is it a purely social invention? If the latter, how did it come into the world? In this biography of that most elusive human element, Martin van Creveld explores conscience throughout history, ranging across numerous subjects, from human rights to health to the environment. Along the way he considers th.

The life and work of Sigmund Freud continue to fascinate general and professional readers alike. Joel Whitebook here presents the first major biography of Freud since the last century, taking into account recent developments in psychoanalytic theory and practice, gender studies, philosophy, cultural theory, and more. Offering a radically new portrait of the creator of psychoanalysis, this book explores the man in all his complexity alongside an interpretation of his theories that cuts through the stereotypes that surround him. The development of Freud's thinking is addressed not only in the context of his personal life, but also in that of society and culture at large, while the impact of his thinking on subsequent issues of psychoanalysis, philosophy, and social theory is fully examined. Whitebook demonstrates that declarations of Freud's obsolescence are premature, and, with his clear and engaging style, brings this vivid figure to life in compelling and readable fashion.

Nelson Mandela ranks as one of the most influential political leaders of the twentieth century. Sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in organizing armed rebellion against South Africa's white rulers, he never lost sight of the goal of achieving a non-racial democracy. He emerged from twenty-seven years in prison with no signs of bitterness towards the white community, only against the system of apartheid they had imposed. His ultimate triumph was honoured and acclaimed around the world. As president he pursued the cause of national reconciliation, despite the daunting problems he faced in reinventing South Africa. In this authoritative biography, Martin Meredith captures the epic nature of Mandela's life. He provides insights into the enduring friendships Mandela forged among white and black alike; into the influential role played by his communist colleagues; and into his turbulent family life. (DÜI-Hff)

The making of a Yugoslav revolutionary -- Learning to implement the people's liberation struggle -- Revolution through war -- Revising Marxism-Leninism -- The Khruschev decade -- Reforming communism -- Actually existing self-management

Introduction: The love of literary fame --Pursuits of philosophy and general learning --Anatomist of human nature --Essayist --The achievement of independence --Two years at Ninewells --The start of a history of Great Britain --The completion of a history of England --Paris, London, Edinburgh.