Deutsches Leben der Gegenwart (German for "German Life of the Present") is a comprehensive overview of German culture and society in the early 20th century. It was edited by Philipp Witkop and published in 1922. The book is divided into five sections, each of which is written by a different expert:
- Literature (by Goetz Briefs): This section surveys the major literary trends of the day, including Expressionism, New Objectivity, and the return to tradition. Briefs discusses the works of such authors as Thomas Mann, Heinrich Mann, and Franz Kafka.
- Music (by Paul Bekker): This section provides an overview of German music from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. Bekker discusses the works of such composers as Ludwig van Beethoven, Richard Wagner, and Gustav Mahler.
- Philosophy (by Max Scheler): This section examines the major philosophical currents of the day, including phenomenology, existentialism, and neo-Kantianism. Scheler discusses the works of such philosophers as Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger, and Ernst Cassirer.
- Physics (by Arnold Sommerfeld): This section provides an overview of the latest developments in physics, including the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Sommerfeld discusses the works of such physicists as Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Werner Heisenberg.
- Economics (by Philipp Witkop): This section examines the economic challenges facing Germany in the aftermath of World War I. Witkop discusses issues such as inflation, unemployment, and reparations.
Deutsches Leben der Gegenwart is a valuable resource for anyone interested in German culture and society during this important period in history. The book is well-written and informative, and it provides a wealth of insights into the intellectual and artistic currents that shaped Germany in the early 20th century.
Here are some additional details about the book:
- Publication date: 1922
- Publisher: Quelle & Meyer
- Language: German
