William F. Buckley Jr. was a prominent voice in American intellectual discourse, known for his erudite, witty, and distinctively worded prose. He skillfully blended traditional American conservatism with economic libertarianism and anti-communism, shaping the trajectory of modern conservative thought. Through his extensive writings and public commentary, Buckley explored complex political and historical themes with a unique intellectual rigor. His work continues to be studied for its influence on conservative ideology and its sophisticated literary style.
The narrative serves as a culmination of the author's extensive experiences, blending reflections from his various roles as a diarist, journalist, and observer of life both at sea and on land. This volume encapsulates the conclusion of several personal journeys, showcasing the author's unique ability to intertwine his adventures with insightful commentary. It stands out as a significant addition to his body of work, highlighting his evolution and the depth of his reflections throughout his literary career.
The narrative captures an adventurous sailing journey across the Atlantic, showcasing the bond between William F. Buckley, Jr. and his son, alongside their five friends. It highlights the challenges and experiences encountered at sea, reflecting on themes of camaraderie, exploration, and the joys of adventure. Buckley's engaging storytelling offers insights into the dynamics of friendship and the thrill of navigating the vast ocean.
Set against the backdrop of 1980, the narrative chronicles Buckley's adventure as he and his friends embark on a thirty-day sailing journey across the Atlantic. This account captures the essence of camaraderie and the thrill of exploration, framing the experience as a joyous celebration of friendship and the sea. Through vivid storytelling, it reflects on the challenges and triumphs faced during their voyage.
"The bestselling historian and journalist James Rosen provides the first comprehensive account of the brilliant and combative Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia, whose philosophy and judicial opinions defined our legal era"-- Provided by publisher
Celebrate 70 years of the classic! "For God, for country, and for Yale... in that order," William F. Buckley Jr. wrote as the dedication of his monumental work—a compendium of knowledge that still resonates within the halls of the Ivy League university that tried to cover up its political and religious bias. In 1951, a twenty-five-year-old Yale graduate published his first book, which exposed the "extraordinarily irresponsible educational attitude" that prevailed at his alma mater. The book, God and Man at Yale, rocked the academic world and catapulted its young author, William F. Buckley Jr. into the public spotlight. Now, half a century later, read the extraordinary work that began the modern conservative movement. Buckley's harsh assessment of his alma mater divulged the reality behind the institution's wholly secular education, even within the religion department and divinity school. Unabashed, one former Yale student details the importance of Christianity and heralds the modern conservative movement in his preeminent tell-all, God and Man at Yale: The Superstitions of "Academic Freedom."
The epic history of how antibiotics were born, saving millions of lives and creating a vast new industry known as Big Pharma. As late as the 1930s, virtually no drug intended for sickness did any good; doctors could set bones, deliver babies, and offer palliative care. That all changed in less than a generation with the discovery and development of a new category of medicine known as antibiotics. By 1955, the age-old evolutionary relationship between humans and microbes had been transformed, trivializing once-deadly infections. William Rosen captures this revolution with all its false starts, lucky surprises, and eccentric characters. He explains why, given the complex nature of bacteria—and their ability to rapidly evolve into new forms—the only way to locate and test potential antibiotic strains is by large-scale, systematic, trial-and-error experimentation. Organizing that research needs large, well-funded organizations and businesses, and so our entire scientific-industrial complex, built around the pharmaceutical company, was born. Timely, engrossing, and eye-opening, Miracle Cure is a must-read science narrative—a drama of enormous range, combining science, technology, politics, and economics to illuminate the reasons behind one of the most dramatic changes in humanity’s relationship with nature since the invention of agriculture ten thousand years ago.
Focusing on American Liberalism in the 1950s, Buckley presents a provocative critique of its leading figures, arguing that their speeches reveal deep-seated social and philosophical prejudices. Through a thorough examination of the underlying assumptions of the era's Liberalism, he challenges readers to consider whether the actions of prominent liberals stem from the very nature of Liberalism itself. This work delves into the complexities and contradictions of political thought during a pivotal time in American history.
"A unique collection of eulogies of the twentieth century's greatest figures, written by conservative icon William F. Buckley Jr. and compiled by National Review and Fox News chief Washington correspondent James Rosen. In a half-century on the national stage, William F. Buckley Jr. achieved unique stature as a polemicist and the undisputed godfather of modern American conservatism. He knew everybody, hosted everybody at his East 73rd Street maisonette, skewered everybody who needed skewering, and in general lived life on a scale, and in a swashbuckling manner, that captivated and inspired countless young conservatives across that half-century. Among all of his distinctions, which include founding the conservative magazine National Review and serving as host on the long running talk show Firing Line, Buckley was a master of that most elusive of art forms: the eulogy. Buckley drew on his unrivaled gifts in what he liked to call 'the controversial arts' to mourn, celebrate, or seek eternal mercy for the men and women who touched his life and the nation; to conjure their personalities, recall memorable moments, herald their greatness; or to remind readers of why a given individual, even with the grace that death can uniquely confer, should be remembered as evil. At all points, these remembrances reflect Buckley's singular voice, with its elegant touch and mordant humor, and lend to the lives of the departed a final tribute consistent with their own careers, lives, and accomplishments. Of the more than 200 eulogies located in Buckley's vast archive of published works, A Torch Kept Lit collects the very best, those remembering the most consequential lives (Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan), the most famous to today's readers (Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Jacqueline Onassis, Princess Diana), those who loomed largest in the conservative movement (Milton Friedman, Russell Kirk), the most accomplished in the literary world (Norman Mailer, Truman Capote, William Shawn), the most mysterious (Soviet spy Alger Hiss, CIA spymaster Richard Helms), and those most dear to WFB (his wife and parents)"-- Provided by publisher
The book delves into the 1965 New York City mayoral campaign, highlighting the unique and charismatic presence of William F. Buckley Jr. as a candidate. Noted for his cleverness and liveliness, Buckley stood out against his rivals, captivating both supporters and critics alike. The narrative explores how the political arena, often seen as a corrupting force, seemed to enhance Buckley's qualities instead. Through insights from prominent figures like Joseph Alsop and Murray Kempton, the book captures the distinctive nature of this pivotal campaign.
The intense debates between conservative William F. Buckley Jr. and liberal Gore Vidal during the 1968 presidential conventions captured national attention with their fiery exchanges and personal clashes, particularly during their dramatic encounter in Chicago. These historic debates, which have not been fully aired or transcribed since their original broadcasts, are the focus of the documentary "Best of Enemies," highlighting the profound impact of their confrontations on American political discourse.
