This impressive slim volume explores the intellectual and social climate of Berlin during Friedrich Schleiermacher's first extended period in the city between 1796 and 1802. Originally presented as papers at a symposium (6 July 2007) sponsored by the Berlin-Brandenburgischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, the essays from multiple contributors draw heavily and productively on sources made available by the new Kritische Schleiermacher-Gesamtausgabe. Topics include Schleiermacher's literary friendship and brief living arrangement with the philosopher Friedrich Schlegel; Schleiermacher's work as a chaplain at Berlin's Charité hospital; the great theologian's interactions with women in the salons and high society of Berlin; the ‘chemical cult’ during the early Romantic period (Frühromantik); and Schleiermacher's relationship with Georg Andreas Reimer, ‘the publisher of Romanticism’ (p. xii). In addition to the essays, there are two street maps of Berlin from the late eighteenth century; several illustrations from the era; and a complete table of Schleiermacher's preaching activities at the Charité. (It was the post of chaplain there that originally brought him to the city.) Together, the essays add much to our knowledge about the young Schleiermacher during the time that he published his famous essay, Reden über die Religion (1799). They also provide a fascinating window into the social and cultural milieu of the capital city on the eve of the great reorganisation of the Prussian state as a consequence of Napoleon's occupation after 1806. ‘Scholarship does not take place in a historical and social vacuum’, observes Wilhelm Vosskamp in his brief introduction (p. 1). This book demonstrates the truth of this statement as it applies to Schleiermacher and the literary circles that he travelled in while in the city. Students of Schleiermacher's multifaceted thought, cultural historians of Prussia and scholars of early German Romanticism will find much of value in this well-executed work.