From the Vault: Authenticity, Part 2

The story centers around Bastian Balthazar Bux, an overweight and imaginative boy who escapes his difficult life by reading a book called 'The Neverending Story'. The book tells the tale of Atreyu, a young warrior in the magical land of Fantastica, who is on a quest to save the Childlike Empress and the land from the destructive force known as 'The Nothing'. As Bastian reads, he becomes increasingly involved in the story, eventually entering Fantastica himself and playing a crucial role in its salvation. The novel explores themes of imagination, identity, and the power of human creativity and dreams.

In this influential essay, Walter Benjamin argues that mechanical reproduction devalues the 'aura' (uniqueness) of a work of art by making it reproducible on a mass scale. He discusses how this shift from cult value to exhibition value changes the role of art in society, making it more political and less tied to traditional ritualistic and magical functions. Benjamin also examines the impact of technologies like photography and film on the aesthetic experience, highlighting their potential for both revolutionary and propagandistic uses.

Benvenuto Cellini's autobiography, written in the 16th century, is a captivating and often unreliable account of his life as a sculptor, goldsmith, and soldier in Renaissance Italy. Known for its dramatic flair and embellishments, the book recounts Cellini's tumultuous experiences, including his brushes with the law, his artistic triumphs, and his encounters with powerful figures. While not entirely factual, the autobiography offers a vivid glimpse into the era's social and artistic landscape. Its blend of fact and fiction makes it a fascinating and enduring work of literature. The book's enduring appeal lies in its vibrant storytelling and its portrayal of a complex and charismatic figure.