The Myth of the State

A great contemporary German philosopher attacks the explosive problem of political myth in our day, and reveals how the myth of the state evolved from primitive times to prepare the way for the rise of the modern totalitarian state. ?A brilliant survey of some of the major texts in the history of political theory.? ?Kenneth Burke, The Nation

“A searching interpretation, like Cassirer’s, reveals that the roots of Nazism are deep and that ruthless pruning will not destroy their vitality. . . . In exposing the idol of the state, Cassirer poses in very clear terms the fundamental problem of knowledge; and he sketches with a sure hand the whole history of political thought.”?Albert Guerard, New York Herald Tribune

“Among the major contributions in our time to the field of philosophy and to the history of ideas.”?Jerome G. Kerwin, Chicago Sun

“This scholarly work by a truly great spirit should be read by every trained mind in search of deeper understanding of the world. One of the rare ‘grand’ books.”?Library Journal

“Professor Cassirer was a brilliant historical philosopher and his analyses of vogues in political alchemy . . . are savagely forthright. The fact that many countries would have been glad to shoot the author of this book for his remarks about patriotism, national leaders, race, and allied matters, only points to the urgency of his discussions of them.”?New Yorker

“It is, indeed, a testament of wisdom. To its writing Cassirer devoted a double legacy?his rich store of historical learning and the distinctive insight developed years ago in his philosophy of symbolic forms. . . . An invaluable contribution.”?New York Times