Travels with Mr. Hume
Travels with Mr. Hume
Horace EngdahlFrom one of Sweden’s foremost literary theorists, philosophers and intellectuals comes new collection of essays.
“The social pressure that comes with being in a in a tram is easy to master. If I want to, I can immerse myself in reading a book, taking notes or meditating with my eyes closed. Quiet conversations can take place in my head without disturbing or offending my fellow passengers, who do not notice my invisible companion. As soon as I sat down in my seat, I am no longer alone. Today I have Mr. Hume as company. This gentleman occupies neither a seat nor a standing position. He died on 25 August 1776 in Edinburgh.”
On the tram in Gothenburg, author, literary critic and theorist Horace Engdahl, goes into discourse with the famous Scottish philosopher David Hume, who passed away in 1776.
Their conversation continues through-out the book, but is interspersed with essays on subjects that come up in their dialogue. We move from 18th century French female conversationalist experts, to Rousseau’s paranoia and the history of luxury at the same pace as the tram ride we are on moves through Gothenburg, always with the underlying question at hand: is there anything such as good and evil?
Part Engdahl’s unique style that has developed over recent years, a form of reflective short prose that he calls ’fragments’, and in part traditional essayistic writing, TRAVELS WITH MR.HUME is as personal, educational, entertaining and direct antidote to anti-intellectualism.
‘Engdahl is striking and fiery, an almost incomprehensibly educated, elderly gentleman whose memory seems almost unlimited. He effortlessly mixes fascinating details, broad brush strokes and unexpected observations. Rarely has great learning moved with such ease. That is because it is supported by sparkling linguistic art.’
Norrländska Socialdemokraten about op. 101
