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Benjamin's Magic

Athough Benjamin used "magic" casually at times, mapping this usage helps explain his theoretical trajectory from his earliest obsessions with pure language to his later preoccupation with history. Clarifying Benjamin's use of the concept provides unique insight into a number of themes in his work, from mysticism to his later preoccupation with death. Ultimately, Benjamin's "magic" reduces to strategies concerning the persuasive power of words to move people to political action.

Magic and "Language As Such"

"Magic" comes from the Latin magus, which in turn was used to describe a member of the Zoroastrian priestly caste. By the 14th century,...