Allan Bloom is best known for his surprise best seller, The Closing of the American Mind. Bloom was a college professor whose interests were Plato and Shakespeare. In this slim little volume, Bloom explores the political philosophy of Shakespeare by investigating some of his most famous plays. Taken from a political perspective, Bloom’s interpretations display a new vantage point for understanding Shakespeare’s plays. If you’re interested in the politics of Venice, the sinister machinations in Rome, or the dangers of dividing a kingdom you’ll find Bloom’s analysis compelling. GRADE: B+
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1: Introduction: Political Philosophy and Poetry
2: On Christian and Jew: The Merchant of Venice
3: Cosmopolitan Man and the Political Community: Othello
4: The Morality of the Pagan Hero: Julius Caesar
5: The Limits of Politics: King Lear, Act I, Scene i Harry V. Jaffa
Acknowledgments
Index
This sounds like a perfect father’s day gift for Phil.
Patti, politics and Shakespeare–hard to beat that combination!
I was going to say that, too. Sounds more up Phil’s alley than mine, though I did just read a novel where Shakespeare was an important character – not so much in person as in who he was and his writings. It was THE BOOKMAN’S TALE by Charlie Lovett.
Jeff, I enjoyed SHAKESPEARE’S POLITICS. I’ve read many of Allan Bloom’s books and can recommend them all. Bloom is a clever and engaging writer.
Though CLOSING left a Lot to be desired. Perhaps a pity it will be what most people will think of first.
My take is politics and Shakespeare – not something on which I’d care to spend my reading time. I finished the Czerneda novel yesterday, waiting for the next one to pop at the library, meanwhile starting a Nero Wolfe for the July special FFB.
Rick, I may read a Czerneda novel soon after reading your take and the Little Red Reviewer’s opinion. I have my Nero Wolfe novel selected for the July special FFB.
You’ll zip right through it, George.
Rick, I haven’t seen many reviews of Czerneda’s work. I’ll be eager to read your take.