Philosophy

Kierkegaard's Muse: The Mystery of Regine Olsen

    Translated by
  • Alastair Hannay

The first biography of Kierkegaard鈥檚 literary muse, from the author of the definitive life of the philosopher

Paperback

Price:
$24.95/拢20.00
ISBN:
Published:
Jun 25, 2019
2017
Pages:
336
Size:
6.13 x 9.25 in.
Illus:
48 b/w illus.

Kierkegaard鈥檚 Muse鈥攖he first biography of Regine Olsen (1822鈥1904), the inspiration and one-time fianc茅e of Danish philosopher S酶ren Kierkegaard鈥攊s a moving portrait of a long romantic fever that had momentous literary consequences. Drawing on Regine鈥檚 newly discovered letters, acclaimed Kierkegaard biographer Joakim Garff tells the story of her mysterious relationship with Kierkegaard more fully and vividly than ever before, shedding new light on her influence on his life and writings. Like Dante鈥檚 Beatrice, Regine is one of the great muses of literary history. Kierkegaard proposed to her in 1840, but broke off the engagement a year later. After their break, they saw each other strikingly often, inside dimly lit Copenhagen churches, on the streets, and on the paths along the old city ramparts, passing by without uttering a word. Psychologically acute and as gripping as a novel, Kierkegaard’s Muse is an unforgettable account of a wild, strange, and poignant romance that made an indelible mark on literary history.