The Work of Hermann Burger with Adrian Nathan West
Nov 29, 2023
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Adrian Nathan West, translator of more than twenty books, discusses the work of Hermann Burger. They explore Burger's use of synesthesia and hypotaxis, his unconventional life and association with a cult, strange and unhinged ideas in his work, his perspective on depression, and his concept of existence and fetishes. They also discuss the challenges of understanding Burger's writing.
Hermann Burger's work explores themes of illusion, artifice, and magic, offering unique insights into the human condition.
Burger's writings engage with philosophical questions about existence, using humor as a coping mechanism and a way to express the depths of his suffering.
Deep dives
The Intricate Prose and Dark Themes of Herman Burger's Work
Herman Burger, a pessimistic and depressing writer, is discussed in this episode. Adrian Nathan West, the primary translator of Burger's work in English, joins the podcast. Burger's writing style is known for its intricate prose and synesthetic metaphors. He often uses humor as a coping mechanism, even when discussing dark topics like suicide. Burger's fascination with illusion, artifice, and magic is reflected in his work. While his writing can be obstruse and challenging, it offers unique insights into the human condition.
Burger's Life and Influences: Personal Struggles and Literary Inspirations
Herman Burger's life was marked by personal struggles, including impotence, manic depression, and a tumultuous upbringing. He was influenced by writers like Thomas Bernhard, Ingeborg Bachmann, and Fritz Zorn, each impacting his prose or themes. Burger's fascination with cigars and smoking is a recurring motif in his work. Despite his personal challenges, Burger was a meticulous artist and fiercely ambitious. He sought recognition as a writer, but his unconventional style and deeply dark themes limited his popularity during his lifetime.
Burger's View on Reality and Humor: Illusion and Benign Boundary Violation
Herman Burger's work often challenges the notion of reality and embraces the power of illusion and fantasy. He finds humor in dark and taboo subjects, using benign boundary violation to create a sense of amusement. Burger's writings on suicide, depression, and the human condition are thought-provoking and engage with philosophical questions about existence. He employs humor as a coping mechanism and a way to express the depths of his suffering. Burger's unique perspective and writing style make him both an intriguing and challenging literary figure.
Burger's Legacy and Future Translations
Herman Burger's novels remain relatively unknown, even in the German-speaking world. His unique style, complex metaphors, and dark themes make his work challenging but rewarding for those willing to explore it. While translations of his novels are currently limited, the translator, Adrian Nathan West, hopes to bring more of Burger's work to English-speaking audiences. West's passion for translating Burger's unconventional prose reflects his admiration for Burger as a writer and his commitment to making his work accessible to a wider readership.
Adrian Nathan West has translated more than twenty books
from Spanish, Catalan, and German. His first book, The Aesthetics of Degradation, was published in 2016. His essays and criticism have appeared in the New York Review of Books, Times Literary Supplement, and other journals in print and online.