Rush Rhees has put together a wonderful book. These Recollections are a rich portrayal of Wittgenstein's extraordinary character and personality, moral force, stunning intelligence. The contributions are by Wittgenstein's sister, Hermine; Fania Pascal, who taught him Russian in the 1930s; F.R. Leavis, the literary critic; John King, who attended Wittgenstein's lectures and became a friend; M.O'C. Drury, a close friend over many years, who gives an unmatched account of Wittgenstein's spiritual concerns; Rush Rhees, another close friend, who provides a thoughtful, restrained discussion of two topics that have provoked much speculation: Wittgenstein's visit to Russia, and his 'confessions'.

LRB 19 November 1981 | PDF Download