Every time is a time of transition

The speed of change in contemporary society has led to an extensive discussion about the meaning and usefulness of history. This is evident from the commemorations that have remained an indispensable ritual in our culture. But can we, when we look at the world today, maintain that we have learned lessons from it?

In Every Time is Transitional Time, HW von der Dunk addresses the reflection of the past in the contemporary world through a number of different themes, such as the legacy of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, the phenomenon of the modern dictator, time consciousness, the myth of Europe, and myth and demythologization in general, the scientificity of historians and the university in contemporary society. Finally, three surprising studies on Heine, Freud and Karl Löwith highlight the relationship of these figures with Germany and their Jewish origins.

'HW von der Dunk is one of the few Dutch historians who tackles major historical themes with flair and daring, and he knows how to write about them in a captivating way.' NRC HANDELSBLAD