The Kierkegaard library is a pretty daunting one, especially for newcomers. What book(s) would you recommend someone start with if they are interested in reading Kierkegaard?
Firstly I would recommend A Kierkegaard Anthology, which is a well-translated collection of thoughtfully-chosen excerpts from nearly all of Kierkegaard's major works. Reading it will help you to figure out which of his books you would like to investigate further. Do not feel like you have to read it from start to finish. Instead, browse the table of contents and read whatever sections strike your interest.
Next I would recommend The Concept of Anxiety: A Simple Psychologically Orienting Deliberation on the Dogmatic Issue of Hereditary Sin; not just because it is one of the notable works excluded from the anthology, but also because of its highly original perspective on the crucially existential concept angst [oftentimes translated as 'dread' or 'anxiety']. Fascinating also is this book's profound influence on Heidegger's Being and Time. I would go so far as to say that Being and Time would never have been what it is if wasn't for The Concept of Anxiety.
Interesting. Here in Brazil we have a introductory book to Fear and Trembling called "A Palavra e o Silêncio" (Word and Silence) where the autor makes an profound study on dialectic in Kierkegaard's thought.
Firstly I would recommend A Kierkegaard Anthology, which is a well-translated collection of thoughtfully-chosen excerpts from nearly all of Kierkegaard's major works. Reading it will help you to figure out which of his books you would like to investigate further. Do not feel like you have to read it from start to finish. Instead, browse the table of contents and read whatever sections strike your interest.
Next I would recommend The Concept of Anxiety: A Simple Psychologically Orienting Deliberation on the Dogmatic Issue of Hereditary Sin; not just because it is one of the notable works excluded from the anthology, but also because of its highly original perspective on the crucially existential concept angst [oftentimes translated as 'dread' or 'anxiety']. Fascinating also is this book's profound influence on Heidegger's Being and Time. I would go so far as to say that Being and Time would never have been what it is if wasn't for The Concept of Anxiety.