Subjects of Terror: Nerval, Hegel, and the Modern Self Book

Prolix but comprehensive and thoughtful. Chapter 1 defines "classic" and "romantic" and sets the book's tone, which I would describe as scholastic but not pedantic. I have the 1919 version which adds a certain sensory joy to reading this book. Replete with historical references and quotations, it is the kind of book I like to read with a notebook and pen nearby. Chapter 2, "Romantic Genius," discusses the word views of Voltaire and Rousseau. If you've read/listened to Terence McKenna, many of the ideas in this chapter are redolent of what he calls the "archaic revival" - only situated in terms of literature and scientific development. Chapter 3 discusses the "Romantic Imagination" and honestly, I was lost. As a lay reader, the sheer number of unfamiliar references was enough to make me want to toss my notebook and quit. A better-read individual would likely be less intimidated. However, Chapter 4, which covers "Romantic Morality" is a joy to read. This is as far as I've gotten so far. I hope to update this review once/if time permits.