In this book, Rose takes us beyond the impasse of post-modernism or 'despairing rationalism without reason'. Arguing that the post-modern search for a 'new ethics' and ironic philosophy are incoherent, she breathes new life into the debates concerning power and domination, transcendence and eternity.

Introduction; 1. Athens and Jerusalem: a tale of three cities; 2. Beginnings of the day: Fascism and representation; 3. The comedy of Hegel and the Trauerspiel of modern philosophy; 4. 'Would that they would forsake Me but observe my Torah': Midrash and political authority; 5. Potter's Field: death worked and unworked; 6. O! Untimely death/death.