Wittgenstein’s Secret Diaries

Wittgenstein’s diary and secret code writing deserves meticulous study. Gorlée’s book is, to my knowledge, the first comprehensive and methodologically grounded investigation into this subject. The author has looked at every one of the several hundred secret code passages of the Nachlass and produced a book that impressively combines semiotics, cryptography, philosophy, religious and biblical studies, cultural studies and anthropology, biography, musicology and writing research. The book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Wittgenstein’s motives for interpolating fragments and reflections from his personal life into his philosophy. The author is to be commended for drawing our attention to these passages and, last but not least, for giving us excellent English translations thereof. -- Alois Pichler, Director of the Wittgenstein Archives at the University of Bergen, Norway Dinda Gorlée’s theoretically rich investigation into Wittgenstein’s coded diaries masterfully unravels their meaning in relation to his philosophical genius and troubled life. Gorlée draws on her extensive knowledge of semiotic theory, translation studies, and Wittgenstein’s philosophy to weave a unique and fascinating account that unlocks the “secret” of these diaries. It is a pioneering and important study. -- Jeffrey R. Di Leo, Professor of English and Philosophy and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, University of Houston-Victoria, USA