The Essential Kierkegaard

A comprehensive anthology of Kierkegaard’s writings that offers an unmatched introduction to one of the most original and influential modern philosophers

This is the most comprehensive anthology of Søren Kierkegaard’s works ever published in English. Drawn from the volumes of Princeton’s authoritative Kierkegaard’s Writings series by editors Howard and Edna Hong, these carefully chosen selections represent every major aspect of Kierkegaard’s extraordinary output, which changed the course of modern intellectual history with its mix of philosophy, psychology, theology, and literary criticism. The anthology reveals the most important themes of his work, especially what it means to exist and to be human, and captures the unique character of his writings, with their shifting pseudonyms, complex dialogues, and powerful combination of irony, satire, sermon, polemic, humor, and fiction. A superb introduction and guide to the Danish philosopher, The Essential Kierkegaard vividly demonstrates why his work continues to speak so directly to so many readers.

• Traces the full span of Kierkegaard’s writings, from his early journals to his final work
• Features generous selections from all of Kierkegaard’s most important works, including Either/Or, Fear and Trembling, Works of Love, and The Sickness unto Death
• Presents selections from lesser-known writings, including Three Discourses on Imagined Occasions and The Lily of the Field and the Bird of the Air
• Includes an introduction to Kierkegaard’s writings and explanatory notes for each selection

Howard V. Hong (1912–2010) was general editor of Kierkegaard’s Writings (Princeton) and former director of the Howard and Edna Hong Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf College. Edna H. Hong (1913–2007) was a poet, writer, and translator who coedited and cotranslated many volumes of Kierkegaard’s Writings.