Husserl’s 40,000 manuscript pages were transported in three suitcases by train.

Evidence

It was a nerve-racking plan. If war broke out during the operation, the manuscripts could end up split between the two locations with the borders closed; some might be lost in the middle. The danger to the nuns was also obvious. It seemed the best option available, however, so on 19 September the heroic Sister Adelgundis loaded three heavy suitcases with 40,000 manuscript pages, and set off by train to Konstanz. — Sarah Bakewell, At the Existentialist Café, 415

Categorization

• SHARE: For anyone who studies the materiality of archival rescue — the sheer logistics of moving a philosopher’s life work in three suitcases across a closing border.