Customer Reviews

On the Phenomenology of the Consciousness of Internal Time (1893-1917) (Husserliana: Edmund Husserl - Collected Works)

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The time lectures of Edmund Husserl are essential reading for anyone interested in the fields of phenomenology, psychology, or time in general. Here, Husserl attempts to unravel the many layers of our consciousness of time. Husserl's extended study stands as the most compelling analysis of the subject in the history of western philosophy and has exerted much influence on research in phenomenology. This particular work is also of interests since what is found here is taken up in much less detail in his other introductions. In addition, this particular aspect of Husserl's philosophy can be seen again in Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty. The Brough translation excels in many ways. Brough offers a thorough and clear translation of the work with many scholarly bonuses. This is not to say that he made Husserl easy to read, but he retains the power of Husserl's thought through the difficult translation. He also offers clearifying notes throughout the text that cross reference appendices and sections of the Husserl's notes and an introduction that clearifies the context in which the text was produced and the many difficulties that are present in this work. Brough's translation is far superior to that of the previous english translation by James Churchill. This work is well worth the effort and the translation is the best yet (the price is another story altogether). Husserl's lectures on the consciousness of internal time are of continued value to the student and scholar alike and this editions offers much for both types.

The professor with whom I read this book touted it as one of the most difficult works of 20th century phenomenology, and I would agree. It's also tedious. But despite this, it repays close reading.

The primary topic is how time is perceived by an individual, but this has implications for epistemology, psychology, and ontology.

I would not recommend this book to readers with a casual interest because it is a difficult read and other (later) works by Husserl would be more fulfilling for casual readers. However, in the context of Heidegger's _Being and Time_ this work by Husserl is an important precursor and the object of Heidegger's criticism. In this context it is important reading for students of phenomenology.

Professor Brough delivers Husserl to English-reading audiences with remarkable flair.