German Jewish philosopher and writer (1878–1965) who evolved a philosophy inspired by study of Hasidism and based on the encounter of man with nature, man, and God. ALS in German, two onionskin pages, 8 x 10, Jerusalem, June 23, 1949. Letter to the son of theologian Florens Christian Rang. In part (translated): “I have read the little book with a strangely mixed feeling...The essay was hardly comprehensible to the readers of that day; but the real readers that he found were not captivated by changeable content, but rather by the living being, the living unity of content and form…a real interpretation cannot be rewritten without spilling its life blood. But you were not content with this mere 'updating.' By cutting it up into pieces that can be integrated into a dialogue, you have undone the spiritually strict composition. I understand very well that you have done so for the sake of the dialogue and that you intended the dialogue to tell 'The Truth'…However, that would have been done more legitimately if you had reproduced the linguistic work…one of the most unique prose works of our age, word for word in its unadulterated context and merely let your objections…be added afterwards. Do ask yourself, dear Mr. Rang: Would Florens Christian have wished this execution of his 'legacy' which you are about to commit? ‘In obligation to his last will' you say, but what does that signify?…If you do accept it, you have to fulfill his will to its letter and spirit.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one fold passing through a single letter of the signature, trivial creases and soiling, and a pencil notation to the upper right corner of each page. An impassioned letter in which Buber comes to the defense of his influential philosophical mentor. RRAuction COA.
