Alloyed Truth: The Historiographical and Political Importance of Error in Ludwig Börne's Journalism. (31st July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swellander, Michael
• Is Part Of: German quarterly. Volume 95:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2022-07-31
• Subjects: Ludwig Börne -- Vormärz -- Journalism -- Error -- Censorship; German language -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Letterkunde; Duits; Allemand (Langue) -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Littérature allemande -- Histoire et critique -- Périodiques; Enseignement; Allemand (Langue); Culture allemande; Littérature allemande; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 430.7
• DOI: 10.1111/gequ.12279
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-8831

Abstract

Abstract : This article shows that error was central to Ludwig Börne's thought on journalism's historiographical and political importance and for his notion of the ideal public sphere. In programmatic statements about journalism, Börne insists error is as important as the truth for reflecting the times in which one errs. This article looks at instances where Börne addresses his errors in action: in seemingly banal typos as well as an accidental instance of libel. In all cases, Börne defends error's value for authentically reflecting the present and for facilitating a public sphere based not on reasoned discussion, but on the exchange of Tadel, or reproach. The article builds on scholarship about the political subversiveness of Börne's writing and Vormärz literature more broadly and considers recent discussions of the representation of the present in literature, arguing that Börne saw honest journalism, errors and all, as inherently subversive.