How to Grasp the World? Judith Schalansky Attempts It in Essays

Judith Schalansky's latest essay collection, "Marmor, Quecksilber, Nebel" (Marble, Mercury, Fog), invites readers on a journey to understand the very fabric of existence. The book, priced at €25.95 for 176 pages, delves into the essence of materials, using them as springboards for profound contemplation.

Schalansky begins by examining marble, a material associated with grandeur that she critiques. She traces its connection to the quarry workers who toiled and died, linking the weight of stone to the weight of the soul. This exploration extends to sculptures, mythology, and the meticulous craft of shaping text, suggesting a deep engagement with her research, perhaps in the hushed halls of Berlin's State Library.

The collection then moves to "Quecksilber" (Mercury), where the word "bastardo" becomes a gateway to discussions that reach as far back as Noah's Ark. The final section, "Nebel" (Fog), ventures into the origins of the world itself. Across these diverse topics, Schalansky consistently returns to the fundamental question: What is the world made of? Her essays promise an stimulating and insightful read for those who ponder the elemental nature of reality.