Hegel is notoriously difficult to understand, but how much of that has to do with translations? Reading Hegel in the original German is no cakewalk, but it is at least cogent, coherent, and sensible, that is, after one gains some familiarity with his unique jargon. But the translations are hopeless. With this in mind, WordBridge Publishing is embarking on the Hegel Project, emphasizing translations faithful to the original text and yet readable. The first installment is Lectures on the Philosophy of History. Plans are to redo the work on the philosophy of law and the philosophy of the “objective spirit,” essentially culture and institutions. Hegel’s legal and political philosophy is of primary importance in two senses: it is seminal to understanding future developments, especially the relationship of law and government; and it helps to frame the importance of private law and freedom within the context of the state.
