Correspondence, 1939 - 1969At first glance, Theodor W. Adornos critical social theory and Gershom Scholems scholarship of Jewish mysticism could not seem further removed from one another. Initially, they also harboured a mutual hostility. However, their first conversations in 1938 New York were the impetus for a profound intellectual friendship that lasted thirty years and produced more than 220 letters. These letters discuss a wide range of topics in philosophy, religion,