Lectures 1949-1968, Volume 1

Adorno's lectures from 1949 to 1968 capture his dynamic analysis of music, literature, and the arts during Germany's postwar recovery. He passionately explored diverse topics, including Proust's prose and Schoenberg's compositions, advocating for a rediscovery of neglected cultural figures. Adorno emphasized the importance of tradition in a modernizing society, promoting a critical engagement with the past while addressing contemporary cultural aspirations. This collection highlights his ability to intertwine critical theory with the socio-political landscape of his time, making it invaluable for scholars of German intellectual history and modern arts.