This political and intellectual biography is the first significant effort in that direction. At the same time, chronology and narrative allow us to understand how Kelles-Krauz's views yielded to change over time and in response to changing circumstances. Also insofar as this biography is useful because Kelles-Krauz was a characteristic figure, context is necessary to grasp when, how, and why this is so. By the same token, context must be reconstructed in order to perceive just when how, and why Kelles-Krauz was exceptional within his several milieux. There is a limit to this method, however.
Every biographer faces two distinct and conflicting demands.
On the one hand, he must be true to the times, concerns, and idioms of his subject. On the other, he must present his subject in a language accessible to his readers, and must make some allowance for what his readers will find to be of interest. In my view, there is no synthesis which can resolve these conflicting demands, only better and worse attempts to take both into account. While keeping my own voice low, I have tried in two ways to avoid the pitfalls of extreme contextualism. Second, I have departed completely from narrative in the conclusion, where I will offer my own views as to why Kelles-Krauz's life and ideas should be of interest.