This paper details how Theodor Herzl initiated the serialized publication of Wilhelm Jensen's "Pompeian fantasy" GRADIVA in the Viennese Newspaper NEUE FREIE PRESSE in June/July 1902. This "gothic" novel, published in book form in 1903, came to the attention of Sigmund Freud who famously analysed it in his "Delusion and Dream in Wilhelm Jensen's GRADIVA" (1907).
Table of Contents
APPENDIX "A" - German Text of Herzl's letters to Wilhelm Jensen
APPENDIX "B" - Wilhelm Stekel's letter to Wilhelm Jensen
APPENDIX "C"
Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
This work investigates the historical circumstances surrounding the serialized publication of Wilhelm Jensen's novel "Gradiva" in the Viennese newspaper "Neue Freie Presse" in 1902, initiated by Theodor Herzl. It aims to clarify the editorial process, the extent of text variations between the newspaper serialization and the later book edition, and the subsequent impact of the novel on Sigmund Freud's early psychoanalytic circle.
- The role of Theodor Herzl in facilitating the publication of "Gradiva".
- Editorial correspondence between Herzl and Jensen regarding submission requirements and space constraints.
- Textual analysis and comparison of spelling and vocabulary shifts between the newspaper serialization and book version.
- The influence of "Gradiva" on early psychoanalytic discussions within Freud’s "Wednesday Society".
- The historical timeline of the novel's publication and its intersection with psychoanalytic reception.
Excerpt from the Book
Theodor Herzl, Wilhelm Stekel, and Wilhelm Jensen‘s Gradiva
In November 1901 the German writer Wilhelm Jensen received the following letter: Neue Freie Presse [New Free Press] Redaction [Editorial Board] Wien [Vienna] Highly esteemed Sir, I am your old admirer - for the last 25 years – a[nd] since I am as Feuilleton-Editor of the N Fr Presse now in the process of establishing a Sunday (novel) section, I am remembering the old sweet stories Drei Sonnen [Three Suns] Sonne u. Schatten [Sun and Shadows] etc. Would you write for us a novel in that for me unforgettable genre? Because of certain space considerations it may not be longer than 1000 - 1200 printed lines.
How did Herzl‘s admiration for Jensen come about? In his later so-called “Youth Diaries“ Herzl in 1882 spent some time discussing the writings of Wilhelm Jensen (1837-1911), a German writer whom he appeared to have loved and admired. Especially his poetry found Herzl‘s approval, but he also dealt in his notes with the novel, The Jews of Cologne [“Die Juden von Cölln”] (1869), which included depressing descriptions of ghetto conditions in the Middle Ages.
Summary of Chapters
APPENDIX "A" - German Text of Herzl's letters to Wilhelm Jensen: This section provides the original German correspondence from Theodor Herzl to Wilhelm Jensen, documenting the editorial process and publication negotiations.
APPENDIX "B" - Wilhelm Stekel's letter to Wilhelm Jensen: This appendix contains the original German text of Wilhelm Stekel's inquiry to Wilhelm Jensen regarding the potential influence of Freud’s dream theories on the writing of "Gradiva".
APPENDIX "C": This chapter presents a detailed tabular comparison of textual variations between the "Neue Freie Presse" serialization and the 1903 book edition of "Gradiva".
Bibliography: This section lists the academic sources, historical diaries, and archival documents consulted for the research on Herzl, Jensen, and the history of psychoanalysis.
Keywords
Theodor Herzl, Wilhelm Jensen, Gradiva, Neue Freie Presse, Sigmund Freud, Wilhelm Stekel, Psychoanalysis, Literature, Serialization, Editorial History, Wednesday Society, Literary Criticism, 1902, Textual Analysis, Publishing History.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper explores how Theodor Herzl initiated the serialized publication of Wilhelm Jensen's "Gradiva" in the "Neue Freie Presse" and examines the subsequent implications of this work for early psychoanalytic history.
What are the core thematic fields addressed?
The research covers literary history, editorial practices in early 20th-century journalism, the relationship between literature and early psychoanalysis, and textual criticism.
What is the central research question?
The work aims to understand how Herzl's involvement influenced the publication of "Gradiva" and whether this interaction had a direct bearing on Freud's later interest in the novel.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses historical document analysis, comparative textual analysis (newspaper versus book versions), and archival research to reconstruct the timeline and circumstances of the publication.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The text details the correspondence between Herzl and Jensen, investigates text variations, and explores the correspondence between Stekel and Jensen regarding Freud's work.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Theodor Herzl, Wilhelm Jensen, Gradiva, Psychoanalysis, and Neue Freie Presse.
Did Theodor Herzl significantly alter the manuscript?
Based on the findings, it appears Herzl initiated the printing and likely read the manuscript, but he made no substantial textual changes, except possibly for one specific word choice.
What is the significance of the "Wednesday Society" mentioned in the text?
The "Wednesday Society" refers to the early psychoanalytic group around Freud; Stekel's letter to Jensen provides evidence that the group discussed "Gradiva" as a case study for its psychological depth.
- Quote paper
- M.A. (History) Hartmut Heyck (Author), 2015, How Theodor Herzl initiated the serialized publication of Wilhelm Jensen's "Gradiva" in the Viennese newspaper "Neue Freie Presse", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/303955
