Erdmut Wizisla s groundbreaking work explores the important friendship between Walter Benjamin, the acclaimed critic and literary theorist, and Bertolt Brecht, one of the twentieth century s most influential playwrights, directors and poets, during the crucial interwar years. From the first meeting between Benjamin and Brecht to their experiences in exile, the events in this friendship are illuminated by personal correspondence, journal entries, and notes including previously unpublished materials from the friends electric discussions of shared projects. Wizisla s examination of the friendship between Benjamin and Brecht, two artists at the height of their creative powers during a time of great political crisis, throws light on nearly two decades of European intellectual life."