Since his death in 1940 Walter Benjamin has become recognised as one of the major figures of modern philosophy. For a man who during his life had no proper career and published little except short articles and book reviews, the acclaim he has now received in the academic world and among publishers is remarkable. The "Benjamin renaissance' started in 1955 with the publication of a slim selection of pieces. Since then output has multiplied enormously, and we are at present half way through the massive Collected Works which have, to date, produced nine substantial volumes. This project is a monument of editorial skill and innovation.¹