The Sea

Reviews / Votes

This is a magnificent book from one of our best philosophers and writers, now apparently at the top of his form. Ranging from Greek mythology to contemporary thinkers, and across philosophy, literature, and the natural sciences, Krell's philosophical encounter with the sea, in bays and coves as well as texts, is consistently enthralling. -- Graham Parkes, Professorial Research Fellow, Institute of Philosophy, University of Vienna, Austria A beautifully conceived, astonishingly erudite engagement with the sea, its enlivening beauty, terrifying force, and symbolic significance in Western civilization. David Farrell Krell brings together philosophical conception, textual exposition, and poetic inspiration in a remarkably dynamic and captivating work. I believe people who fathom this book in its depth will experience the sea differently from the way they previously understood it. -- Charles E. Scott, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Emeritus, Vanderbilt University and Professor of Philosophy, Penn State University, USA This is a brilliant book; even more stunning than the photographs is Krell's profound and poetic philosophical writing. -- Dawne McCance, Distinguished Professor, Department of Religion, University of Manitoba, Canada David Krell sheds deep and sometimes strange light on many ancient and new texts, seeing them cradled by the sea like a coral reef seen through transparent tropical waters. His penetrating thought is warmed by an intense love of the sea and love of all these myths, psychoanalysis, poets, novelists, philosophers. -- Alphonso Lingis, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Pennsylvania State University, USA There is hardly a more seminal topic-for psychology, biology, philosophy, theology, literature, and for life in general-than the sea and David Farrell Krell has captured, with great literary sensitivity and enormous intellectual breadth, the immense power and depth of his subject. This erudite work is a literary and philosophical tour de force but it is also a major contribution to the field of psychology. It is a compelling read from beginning to end. -- Walter Brogan, Professor of Philosophy, Villanova University, USA