"Kierkegaard: A Single Life" by Stephen Backhouse is a biography that delves into the life and philosophy of the influential Danish philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of Kierkegaard's life, from his early years growing up in a strict religious household, to his education, relationships, and the events that shaped his thinking. It explores Kierkegaard's religious and philosophical ideas, including his concepts of faith, anxiety, individuality, and the nature of existence.
Backhouse delves into Kierkegaard's personal struggles and inner conflicts, including his strained relationship with his father, his unrequited love for Regine Olsen, and his battles with depression and loneliness. The book also highlights Kierkegaard's literary works, including his pseudonymous and signed writings, and examines how his writings were received during his lifetime.
Through meticulous research and analysis, "Kierkegaard: A Single Life" offers readers a deeper understanding of Kierkegaard's life, thought, and legacy. It provides insight into his influential contributions to existentialism, Christian theology, and the philosophy of the individual. It is a thought-provoking biography that sheds light on the life and works of one of the most influential philosophers of the 19th century.