So, why is Repetition here paired with Philosophical Fragments (here the title is blessedly translated as "Crumbs," preserving the original imagery as "fragment" does not. A "smuler" is a residue left after breaking bread. The change of title is sufficient reason of itself to buy the book)? Princeton preserves Kierkegaard's original pairing with Fear and Trembling (he published both on the same day) Fear and Trembling/Repetition : Kierkegaard's Writings, Vol. 6, but Hannay has already translated Fear and Trembling as a stand alone so who needs the competition? Anyway, Philosophical Crumbs is a small but vital book and I am happy for a new translation, especially when they get the title right.
Anyway, Repetition has never been my favorite.I recognize its importance to the authorship in introducing experimental psychology without the creepiness that dogged Diary of a Seducer. Constantine Constantinus actually wants, in his twisted way, to help his young friend. That he goes about is such a messed up way provides a precedence for the next pseudonym, Virgilius Haufinesis, who, as an experimental psychologist will offer a twisted treatise on original sin. Concept of Anxiety, by the way, is one of my favorites (note to translators). The problem is that, like Fear and Trembling but to a greater extent, Repetition, in touting repetition as a concept, only gives negative examples. This is confusing. No wonder Heiberg reviewed it as a book on plant life. But, the trip to Germany is hilarious (especially when Constantine goes to the theatre and sees a farce) and the translation is well rendered. If nothing else, it is one of Kierkegaard's most entertaining books.
As for Philosophical Crumbs, people often argue whether it or Concept of Anxiety is Kierkegaard's most difficult book. In this one must pick his poison: do you prefer to drown in dialectics (Concept of Anxiety) or be hung by the metaphysics (Philosophical Crumbs). Kierkegaard's chief pseudonym, Johannes Climacus, is better known for his starring role in Concluding Unscientific Postscript to the Philosophical Crumbs, the Kierkegaardian magnum opus, which, oddly enough, is only a sequel to this book. As a whole, the book is a mediation on the nature of time that attempts to prove that Jesus' own disciples who lived with him day to day during his earthly ministry had no advantage over someone struggling to become Jesus' disciple today. Once again, the translation is excellent and they get the title right. What more do you need?