Heinrich Zimmer [Hardcover]

Margaret H. Case (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2, 1994

Heinrich Zimmer (1890-1943) is perhaps best known in the English-speaking world for four posthumous books: "Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilisation", "Philosophies of India", "The Art of Indian Asia", and "The King and the Corpse". These works have inspired several generations of students of Indian religion and culture. The collection of research papers in this volume testify to Zimmer's originality and to his rightful place in that small group of scholars who were part of the first generation to confront the end of European empires in India and the rest of Asia. In her introduction, Margaret Case contrasts Zimmer's approach to India with that of Jung. There follow two recollections of Zimmer, one by his daughter Maya Rauch, the other by a close friend and supporter in Germany, Herbert Nette. Then William McGuire describes Zimmer's connections with Mary and Paul Mellon and with the Jungian circles in Switzerland and New York. A brief talk by Zimmer, previously unpublished, describes his admiration for Jung. Wendy Doniger picks up the question of Zimmer's intellectual legacy, especially in the light of Campbell's editorial work on his English publications. Gerald Chapple raises another question about how his influence was felt: the division between what is known of his work in the German-and the English-speaking worlds. Kenneth Zysk then summarizes and analyzes his contribution to Western knowledge of Hindu medicine; Matthew Kapstein evaluates his place in the West's appreciation of Indian philosophy; and Mary Linda discusses his contributions to the study of Indian art in the light of A.K. Coomaraswamy's work and more recent research.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Univ Pr; 1St Edition edition (May 2, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691033374
• ISBN-13: 978-0691033372
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,468,043 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amor fati, March 28, 2003

By 

Jeanne LaVallee (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heinrich Zimmer (Hardcover)

The life and work of Henry (Heinrich Robert) Zimmer (1890-1943) is presented with care and clarity in this little volume. Zimmer's role as the Humanist of the twentieth century is here recognized as one of tremendous importance in the spiritual development of global civilization. This book demonstrates how broad-ranging was his capacity to both understand and reach out to others, mostly through his own example of 'amor fati' --love of his own fate. It is an invaluable introduction to a most influential, but 'unsung', scholar of our times.