Itinerario Biográfico. José Ortega y Gasset – Johan Huizinga Epistolario (1934-1941). Primera parte

Abstract

We present, in two parts, the correspondence between José Ortega y Gasset and the Dutch historian Johan Huizinga. This epistolary spans from October 9, 1934, to May 4, 1939, and includes nine letters, a wedding notification, and additional correspondence regarding the Spanish publication of Homo Ludens between Huizinga and the Argentine publishing house Espasa-Calpe. Ortega and Huizinga were familiar with each other’s works, but only met in person between 1934 and 1936, when Ortega was invited to give a series of lectures in various cities in the Netherlands, and Huizinga offered to host him in Leiden. As early as 1930, Ortega had begun promoting the translation of Huizinga’s most significant works into Spanish. Despite its brevity, this correspondence offers valuable insight into the historical context between the two world wars, the personal and intellectual relationship between two thinkers who, while seemingly distant, were deeply connected, as well as key aspects of their work. Notably, it highlights their shared interests and mutual influences regarding historical knowledge and the study of the role of play in culture. The first six letters, from October 9, 1934, to May 23, 1936, are presented below.