Walter benjamin is a key figure in terms of modern critical educational inquiry his name is pronounced ben a mean like amphetamine my old german roommate informed me actually it was my friends roommate i was just there a lot so etc goethe of course is go tay alright in layout scope and particularly linguistics the big book is brilliant. A great strength of walter benjamin a critical life is how it lays out benjamins major works as part of an evolution of thought providing not only invaluable context to each piece but tracing each works central claims in a lucid and approachable manner one need not be a phd to approach this book and it will intrigue anyone with a passing interest in the intellectual history of the 20th century. O to order walter benjamin a critical life with free uk pp call guardian book service on 0330 333 6846 or go to guardianbookshopcouk topics autobiography and memoir