Albert Schweitzer: Seine Jahre Im Elsass (1875-1913)

For the first time, relying on previously unused documents (sermons and lectures) and indeed previously unpublished sources (letters) in German and French, Matthieu Arnold gives a deep and detailed account of the life - mainly spent in Alsace - of Albert Schweitzer before his departure for Africa (1875-1913): his childhood in Gunsbach, his education in music, philosophy and theology, his promising beginnings in the University of Strasbourg and his courageous sermons against nationalism and colonialism. This work examines in detail his decision to leave for Africa: the agonised series of events which led him to make this choice, the unreserved support given by Helene Bresslau, his lengthy medical studies, and his tortuous negotiations with the Societe des Missions in Paris, all in the context of Franco-German tensions.