German History - Religious Aspects, German History - Social Aspects, English Fiction & Prose Literature - 18th Century - Literary Criticism, Enlightenment

Johann Karl Wezel

Name: Johann Karl Wezel
Author: Dennis Brain
ISBN: 9780820444642

by Dennis Brain

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Overview

Johann Karl Wezel (1747-1819), satirist, novelist, and "anthropologist," has become one of the most widely read and discussed authors of the German late Enlightenment. This book focuses on Wezel's pedagogical endeavors and on his Robinson Krusoe (1779/80), a satirical, anti-utopian adaptation and continuation of Defoe's novel. Wezel's works are examined within the context of a general discussion about philosophical and pedagogical developments in eighteenth-century Europe, particularly with regard to: (1) views of history and possible social progress; (2) "reformed" or "enlightened" religion; (3) the "philanthropic" educational movement based on ideas of Rousseau and Basedow; and (4) the great concern in the late Enlightenment about mental imbalances and other problems supposedly caused by improper education. Rousseau, Kant, Albrecht von Haller, Wieland, and their views on pedagogy, history, religion, and satire are also treated.

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Brain (German, Northern Illinois University) examines German Enlightenment author Wezel's novel (1779), a satirical, anti-utopian adaptation and continuation of Defoe's novel, and the religious, philosophical, historical, literary, and pedagogical context from which it arose. He pays particular attention to a gradual progression during the Enlightenment in concepts of history, society, and man, from religious pessimism, to optimistic views based on Providence and on "Enlightened" religion and virtue, and finally to an "anthropological" skepticism. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)