Roger Kimball Book order

Roger Kimball's collection of essays offers a profound critique of cultural relativism, drawing inspiration from Matthew Arnold's ideas. His insightful commentary spans various subjects, showcasing his extensive knowledge and depth of understanding. Esteemed figures recognize him as a modern prophet and philosopher who advocates for enduring principles that define Western culture. Kimball's eloquence and wisdom shine through, positioning him as a courageous critic who balances a conservative perspective with a scholarly approach, making his work both timely and essential for cultural regeneration.

Boxed set of Mexifornia, by Victor Davis Hanson; The Rape of the Masters, by Roger Kimball; America's Secular Challenge, by Herbert London; Londonistan, by Melanie Phillips; Black Rednecks and White Liberals, by Thomas Sowell; and Climate Confusion, by Roy W. Spencer.

The book offers a sharp and humorous critique of the state of humanities education in American universities, highlighting the disconnect between serious academic pursuits and current practices. In this updated third edition, Roger Kimball revises the text and includes a new Introduction, making it accessible for newcomers and thought-provoking for returning readers. Its incisive commentary has garnered praise from notable reviewers, emphasizing its potential to provoke strong reactions and discussions within the academic community.

The book critiques the influence of radical cultural politics, such as feminism and postcolonial studies, on academic art history. The author, a distinguished art critic, argues that these ideologies have compromised the integrity of the discipline, leading to a distortion of artistic evaluation and appreciation. Through a witty and provocative lens, the text challenges readers to reconsider the implications of these cultural movements on the understanding and interpretation of art.

Exploring the intersection of spirituality and creativity, this work delves into the significant spiritual journeys that have shaped modern art. It examines how various artists have infused their work with profound spiritual themes, highlighting the transformative power of art as a medium for expressing deeper existential questions and experiences. Through insightful analysis, it reveals the rich tapestry of influences that have guided the evolution of artistic expression in contemporary society.

“In the faculty of writing nonsense,” the English critic Walter Bagehot once observed, “stupidity is no match for genius.” In Lives of the Mind , Roger Kimball, one of the best of our cultural critics, offers a lively and penetrating study of genius―and pseudo-genius―at work and investigates the use and abuse of intelligence. When does a love of ideas become a dangerous infatuation? What antidotes are there for the silliness of unanchored intellect? Drawing on figures as various as Plutarch and Hegel, Kierkegaard and P. G. Wodehouse, Elias Canetti and Anthony Trollope, Bagehot and Wittgenstein and Sybille Bedford, Mr. Kimball provides a sharply observed tour of Western intellectual and artistic aspiration. He shows what happens when intellect trumps common sense, and how an affirmation of shared values and ordinary reality can rescue us from the temptations of the higher stupidity. Part cautionary tale, part literary celebration, Lives of the Mind is a witty, deeply engaging guide for the perplexed. The New York Times Book Review has called Mr. Kimball “a scathing critic but one whose tirades are usually justified....His intellectual rigor is refreshing.” And Gertrude Himmelfarb has “His essays reflect a steadiness of mind, a coherence, conviction, and passion that make him one of the most candid and perceptive critics of American culture.”

The essays delve into the literary and philosophical foundations of modernity, offering insightful critiques of contemporary culture. Through a thoughtful examination of various themes, the author analyzes how historical ideas shape current societal perspectives, encouraging readers to reflect on the complexities of modern life.

This book provides a sharply observed tour of Western intellectual and artistic aspiration.