(Studies in German Literature Linguistics and Culture) Rolf J

Preface
S
IXTY-NINE YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH, the reputation of Walter Benjamin as
a leading cultural critic, literary scholar, and philosopher of the twentieth
century has been firmly established on a global scale. And yet his
canonicity, lest it be relegated to the safe havens of the cultural archive,
requires that we reread him in the changing context of our times, ask
new questions of his texts, and interrogate him critically. To this end, the
Companion to the Works of Walter Benjamin seeks to offer an advanced
introduction to his major works and their recurrent themes while probing
into his relevance for today from a variety of innovative perspectives, critical
approaches, and interdisciplinary positions.
I have been very fortunate to work with an excellent team of international
scholars, and I thank them for their contributions. Special thanks
go to Wolfgang Bock and Dominik Finkelde, who checked the introduction
and made valuable suggestions. Karl Ivan Solibakke kindly provided
an excellent translation of Bernd Witte’s essay and assisted with the editorial
work. Last but not least, I wish to express my gratitude to Camden
House’s Editorial Director, Jim Walker, who responded enthusiastically
to my plans for editing this volume and who guided the production process
with exemplary patience, encouragement, and wisdom. I also wish
to acknowledge the support of The University of Alabama in Huntsville,
which granted me a sabbatical leave during the spring semester 2008 so
that I could complete the Companion.
R. J. G.