Homo Ludens (Book)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Homo Ludens, or "Man the Player," is a book written in 1938 by Dutch historian, cultural theorist and professor Johan Huizinga.

It discusses the importance of the play element of culture and society. Huizinga makes it clear in the foreword of his book that he means the play element of culture, and not the play element in culture.

Huizinga writes that he titled the initial lecture the book is based on "The Play Element of Culture". This title was repeatedly corrected to "in" Culture, a revision he objected to. Huizinga explains:

"...it was not my object to define the place of play among all other manifestations of culture, but rather to ascertain how far culture itself bears the character of play." (Foreword, unnumbered page)

The uncredited English translator of the Beacon Press version modified the subtitle of the book to "A Study of the Play-Element In Culture", contradicting Huizinga's stated intention. The translator explains in a footnote in the Foreword, "Logically, of course, Huizinga is correct; but as English prepositions are not governed by logic I have retained the more euphonious ablative in this sub-title." Thus, the translator intends no change in meaning, but essentially thought "in culture" sounded better than "of culture".

The version in print and widely available in English is a translation and synthesis of the original Dutch and the first English translation (done by Huizinga himself), because "a comparison of the two texts shows a number of discrepancies and a marked difference in style" (Translators Note, unnumbered page).

The Beacon Press translation is copyrighted 1950, by Roy Publishers and the Beacon first edition was printed in 1955; since Huizinga died in 1945 he, presumably, was not directly involved in this translation.

Huizinga uses the term "Play Theory" within the book to define the conceptual space in which play occurs. Huizinga suggests that play is primary to and necessary (though not sufficient) condition of the generation of culture.

[edit] Quotes

"Let my playing be my learning, and my learning be my playing."
"It is ancient wisdom, but it is also a little cheap, to call all human activity 'play'. Those who are willing to content themselves with a metaphysical conclusion of this kind should not read this book." (from the Foreword, unnumbered page)
"The child is laughing: The Game is my wisdom and my love

The young is singing: The Love is my wisdom and my game

The old is silent: The Wisdom is my love and my game" (Lucian Blaga - 3 Faces)