Marcuse: Life and Work - Francisco Antonio Doria

Marcuse: Life and Work - Francisco Antonio Doria

Marcuse: Life and Work - Francisco Antonio Doria

A Biography of the Philosopher of the New Left

Herbert Marcuse (1898-1979) was a German-American philosopher and sociologist who became one of the leading intellectual figures of the New Left in the 1960s. His work on critical theory, alienation, and the repressive nature of modern society has had a profound impact on social and political thought.

In this comprehensive biography, Francisco Antonio Doria provides a detailed account of Marcuse's life and work. Doria draws on a wide range of sources, including Marcuse's personal papers, interviews with his friends and colleagues, and his published writings. The result is a nuanced and insightful portrait of a complex and influential thinker.

Early Life and Education

Herbert Marcuse was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1898. His father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a homemaker. Marcuse grew up in a comfortable, middle-class home, and he received a good education. He studied philosophy and sociology at the University of Berlin, where he was influenced by the work of Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger, and Georg Lukács.

Political Activism

In the 1920s, Marcuse became involved in political activism. He joined the German Communist Party, and he worked for the party's newspaper, Die Rote Fahne. In 1933, the Nazis came to power in Germany, and Marcuse was forced to flee the country. He went to Switzerland, where he continued his studies.

Exile in the United States

In 1934, Marcuse moved to the United States. He taught at several universities, including Columbia University, Brandeis University, and the University of California, San Diego. In the United States, Marcuse became a leading figure in the New Left, and his work had a profound impact on the student protests of the 1960s.

Major Works

Marcuse's most important works include:

  • Reason and Revolution (1941)
  • Eros and Civilization (1955)
  • One-Dimensional Man (1964)
  • An Essay on Liberation (1969)

In these works, Marcuse argues that modern society is repressive and alienating. He calls for a revolution to overthrow the existing order and create a more just and humane society.

Legacy

Herbert Marcuse was a major figure in twentieth-century thought. His work has had a profound impact on social and political thought, and it continues to be read and studied by scholars and activists around the world.

Why You Should Read This Book

Francisco Antonio Doria's biography of Herbert Marcuse is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of social and political thought. Doria provides a detailed and insightful account of Marcuse's life and work, and he offers a compelling interpretation of his thought. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the New Left and its impact on the world.

Order Your Copy Today!

Marcuse: Life and Work is available now from all major booksellers. Order your copy today and start reading about one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century.