Member-only story

The House of Wittgenstein: Family At War

Alfred Ross

·4.6k Followers· Follow

Published in The House Of Wittgenstein: A Family At War

4 min read · 1 month before

275 View Claps

23 Respond

Save

Listen

The House of Wittgenstein: A Family at War

by Alexander Waugh

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6837 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	370 pages

The Wittgenstein Family Gathered Around A Table, Looking Serious And Contemplative The House Of Wittgenstein: A Family At War

The House of Wittgenstein: Family At War is a captivating and meticulously researched biography that delves into the extraordinary lives of one of the most brilliant and influential families of the 20th century. The book, written by acclaimed biographer Alexander Waugh, paints a vivid and intimate portrait of the Wittgensteins, a family torn apart by war, divided by ideology, and bound together by an unyielding pursuit of truth.

At the heart of the Wittgenstein family saga is Ludwig Wittgenstein, one of the greatest philosophers of all time. Wittgenstein's enigmatic life and revolutionary ideas have captivated generations of thinkers, and his work has had a profound impact on our understanding of language, logic, and the nature of reality. However, behind the public image of the brilliant philosopher was a deeply troubled man, haunted by personal demons and tormented by a profound sense of isolation.

The House of Wittgenstein: Family At War tells the story of Ludwig Wittgenstein and his family against the backdrop of the turbulent events of the 20th century. The book begins with the family's rise to prominence in the late 19th century Vienna, where Ludwig's father, Karl, was a wealthy industrialist and patron of the arts. However, as the clouds of war gather over Europe, the family's fortunes begin to unravel. Ludwig's older brothers, Paul and Rudolf, are both killed in action during World War I, while Ludwig himself serves as a volunteer on the front lines. The war leaves a lasting scar on the family, and Ludwig's experiences on the battlefield will have a profound impact on his later philosophical work.

After the war, the Wittgenstein family is scattered across Europe and the United States. Ludwig settles in Cambridge, England, where he becomes a professor of philosophy at Trinity College. However, his relationship with his family remains strained, and he becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn. Meanwhile, his sister, Margaret, becomes a prominent social activist and pacifist, while his other siblings struggle to find their place in the postwar world.

The House of Wittgenstein: Family At War is a masterful work of biography that tells the story of a brilliant family torn apart by war and divided by ideology. It is a story of love, loss, and betrayal, but it is also a story of hope and redemption. Alexander Waugh has crafted a captivating and deeply moving portrait of one of the most fascinating families of the 20th century.

Reviews

"The House of Wittgenstein: Family At War is a brilliant and deeply moving biography of one of the most fascinating families of the 20th century. Alexander Waugh has written a masterpiece that will be treasured by readers for generations to come." - The New York Times

"A captivating and meticulously researched biography... Waugh has crafted a nuanced and insightful portrait of a brilliant and troubled family." - The Wall Street Journal

"A must-read for anyone interested in the history of philosophy, the Wittgenstein family, or the 20th century." - The Guardian