Owen Barfield

Owen Barfield (1898-1997) oli üks möödunud sajandi põnevamaid ingliskeelseid mõtlejaid väljaspool akadeemilist maailma. Tema esseed käsitlesid keele ja mõtlemise eelajalugu, poeetilist keelekasutust, vaimu ja looduse suhteid ning lunastuslugu, lähtudes moodsast loodusteadusest, radikaalsest historismist ja antroposoofiast. Käesolevate kaante vahele on võetud kaks Barfieldi teost. 1965. aastal Ameerikas peetud loengud "Kõneleja tähendus" käsitlevad semantilist lähenemist ajaloole, kujundlikkust keeles ja luules, inspiratsiooni ja kujutlust ning inimvaimu muutumist koos keelega. 1957. aastal ilmunud "Nähtumuste päästmine" on kõige hõlmavam sissejuhatus Barfieldi mõttemaailma. See esitab ajas tagasi liikudes visandi inimteadvuse evolutsioonist Läänemaailmas läbi kolme aastatuhande. Peatutakse "animismil", teaduslikul revolutsioonil, keskaja mõtlemisel, klassikalisel vaimul, Iisraeli ilmutusel ja evangeeliumide tähendamissõnadel. Tõlkija saatesõna paigutab Owen Barfieldi ideed 20. sajandi mõtteloo konteksti.

"History in English Words" by Owen Barfield is a groundbreaking work of linguistic and literary criticism that delves into the intricate evolution of the English language. Owen Barfield, renowned for his profound insights into language and culture, explores the fascinating journey of English words, tracing their origins and semantic evolution through time. As a pioneering work in philology and historical linguistics, Barfield's book transcends mere lexicography, offering readers a deeper understanding of language development and cultural evolution. Through meticulous analysis, Barfield uncovers the interconnectedness of language and society, revealing how shifts in cultural dynamics shape the meanings and usage of words over centuries. Within the realm of English literature, "History in English Words" serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, providing invaluable insights into the linguistic underpinnings of literary works. Barfield's exploration of word origins and semantic evolution offers a nuanced perspective on the richness and complexity of the English language, enriching our appreciation of English literature and enhancing our understanding of linguistic phenomena. With its blend of linguistic inquiry and literary criticism, "History in English Words" stands as a seminal contribution to the study of language and culture, inviting readers to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of linguistic history.

The Riddle of the Sphinx, a new collection of essays, illuminates an aspect of Owen Barfield rarely before seen. He writes as directly as he ever did about the nature of humanity's spiritual need in our time. Our capacities of imagination and inspiration are shown in their true dimensions. At the same time, scholarly and wise, Barfield enables readers to appreciate these insights. He writes about how poetry begins, about language as an archive of consciousness, and about philosophy as a path to understanding how different ways of perceiving are possible. Barfield guides us on an episodic trip through history - from ancient Israel and Greece to early Christian times, onward to medieval England, and the eras of the Renaissance and Romanticism, right up to the present day. He does not just demonstrate that there has been an evolution of consciousness; he reveals how thrilling it is when recognized. The Sphinx's deepest riddle, Barfield knew, was: What, after all, is the human being? The evolution of consciousness, Barfield's great subject, has given many answers to that question. In the essays collected here, Owen Barfield challenges us, beyond the ready-made responses given to us, to answer the question anew, for ourselves. Owen Barfield is one of the twentieth century's most significant writers and philosophers. Widely renowned for his insight and literary artistry, Barfield addresses key concerns of the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and arts in our time. His fellow Inklings, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, are among the leading figures influenced by Barfield's work.

The Riddle of the Sphinx, a new collection of essays, illuminates an aspect of Owen Barfield rarely before seen. He writes as directly as he ever did about the nature of humanity's spiritual need in our time. Our capacities of imagination and inspiration are shown in their true dimensions. At the same time, scholarly and wise, Barfield enables readers to appreciate these insights. He writes about how poetry begins, about language as an archive of consciousness, and about philosophy as a path to understanding how different ways of perceiving are possible. Barfield guides us on an episodic trip through history - from ancient Israel and Greece to early Christian times, onward to medieval England, and the eras of the Renaissance and Romanticism, right up to the present day. He does not just demonstrate that there has been an evolution of consciousness; he reveals how thrilling it is when recognized. The Sphinx's deepest riddle, Barfield knew, was: What, after all, is the human being? The evolution of consciousness, Barfield's great subject, has given many answers to that question. In the essays collected here, Owen Barfield challenges us, beyond the ready-made responses given to us, to answer the question anew, for ourselves. Owen Barfield is one of the twentieth century's most significant writers and philosophers. Widely renowned for his insight and literary artistry, Barfield addresses key concerns of the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and arts in our time. His fellow Inklings, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, are among the leading figures influenced by Barfield's work.

'Owen Barfield on C. S. Lewis' is a collection of essays and lectures about the author, theologian, and literary scholar, C. S. Lewis. Barfield and Lewis were close friends for 44 years, from their Oxford days after WWI to Lewis's death in 1963. Barfield's reflections on their relationship ended only with his own passing, in his hundredth year. Barfield was instrumental in converting Lewis to theism. However, the two disagreed on many points, and it is that creative dialectic which defines and irradiates their friendship: "In an argument we always, both of us, were arguing for the truth, not for victory" (Owen Barfield). C. S. Lewis on Owen Barfield: "The wisest and best of my unofficial teachers.""Barfield towers above us all." To Walter Field: "You notice when Owen and I are talking metaphysics which you don't follow: you don't notice the times when you and Owen are talking economics which I can't follow. Owen is the only one who is never out of his depth."