DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.69893#0608
Karl Jaspers - University of Chicago Press
491
503 Alexander /. Morin an Karl Jaspers
Typoskript; DLA, A: Jaspers, auf Briefpapier der University of Chicago Press
August 13,1958
Dear Professor Jaspers:
Two of our most distinguished advisors have now read your DIE ATOMBOMBE UND
DIE ZUKUNFT DES MENSCHEN, and I myself - in spite of the fact that I am not as
comfortable in German as I ought to be - have worked through it; and this is simply
to say that our enthusiasm knows no bounds. One of our readers sums up his long re-
port as follows:
Jaspers is one of the greatest figures of 2oth Century intellectual life. His name
is very widely known. It is rare that such a person directs his mind to a vital
practical problem of universal significance and interest and it is rare that the
result consists of more than commonplaces. This book is such a rarity.
Our other reader speaks similarly:
This is indeed a work of major importance. It is, as far as I know, the only sys-
tematic attempt to integrate the fact of atomic power into a philosophical Sys-
tem, providing an overall view of the human condition, and to draw in a syste-
matic fashion radical philosophic, moral, and political conclusions from that
fact. This is indeed a formidable undertaking, and the achievement is most im-
pressive.
And, of course, what Hannah Arendt has had to say about the book as well as my own
reading simply confirms our eagerness to bring the book out in this country. We would
be honored to act as your publisher and would give the book our most thoughtful and
energetic attention in arranging its translation and promotion here.
But, of course, I understand the dilemma you face in your commitment to another
publisher, and we want in no way to interfer with such an established contractual re-
lationship. If at any time rights to an English language edition of the book are avail-
able and you wish to ask us to make a firm offer, we will be delighted to do so. And I
hope that in any case you reach a decision quickly, since I think it of the utmost im-
portance that this bookbe brought out in the United States as soon as possible, in the
hope that it will have a great influence on public discussion of this crucial problem. I
look forward to your reply with anticipation.
Yours very truly,
Alexander J. Morin
491
503 Alexander /. Morin an Karl Jaspers
Typoskript; DLA, A: Jaspers, auf Briefpapier der University of Chicago Press
August 13,1958
Dear Professor Jaspers:
Two of our most distinguished advisors have now read your DIE ATOMBOMBE UND
DIE ZUKUNFT DES MENSCHEN, and I myself - in spite of the fact that I am not as
comfortable in German as I ought to be - have worked through it; and this is simply
to say that our enthusiasm knows no bounds. One of our readers sums up his long re-
port as follows:
Jaspers is one of the greatest figures of 2oth Century intellectual life. His name
is very widely known. It is rare that such a person directs his mind to a vital
practical problem of universal significance and interest and it is rare that the
result consists of more than commonplaces. This book is such a rarity.
Our other reader speaks similarly:
This is indeed a work of major importance. It is, as far as I know, the only sys-
tematic attempt to integrate the fact of atomic power into a philosophical Sys-
tem, providing an overall view of the human condition, and to draw in a syste-
matic fashion radical philosophic, moral, and political conclusions from that
fact. This is indeed a formidable undertaking, and the achievement is most im-
pressive.
And, of course, what Hannah Arendt has had to say about the book as well as my own
reading simply confirms our eagerness to bring the book out in this country. We would
be honored to act as your publisher and would give the book our most thoughtful and
energetic attention in arranging its translation and promotion here.
But, of course, I understand the dilemma you face in your commitment to another
publisher, and we want in no way to interfer with such an established contractual re-
lationship. If at any time rights to an English language edition of the book are avail-
able and you wish to ask us to make a firm offer, we will be delighted to do so. And I
hope that in any case you reach a decision quickly, since I think it of the utmost im-
portance that this bookbe brought out in the United States as soon as possible, in the
hope that it will have a great influence on public discussion of this crucial problem. I
look forward to your reply with anticipation.
Yours very truly,
Alexander J. Morin