I’ve read all of Gertrude Himmelfarb’s books and am in awe of her range. Take The Moral Imagination as an example. Himmelfarb’s essays span Edmund Burke, Jane Austen, George Eliot, Disraeli, Winston Churchill, Dickens, Fielding, John Stuart Mill, Walter Bagehot, Michael Oakeshott, and Lionel Trilling. Clarity sparkles in Himmelfarb’s essays. That which was once obscure becomes understandable. She has a wonderful sense of history. If you’re in the mood for some insightful essays on political writing, The Moral Imagination will reward your efforts. GRADE: A
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Edmund Burke : apologist for Judaism? —
George Eliot : the wisdom of Dorothea —
Jane Austen : the education of Emma —
Charles Dickens : “a low writer” —
Benjamin Disraeli : the Tory imagination —
John Stuart Mill : the other Mill —
Walter Bagehot : “a divided nature” —
John Buchan : an untimely appreciation —
The Knoxes : a God-haunted family —
Michael Oakeshott : the conservative disposition —
Winston Churchill : “quite simply, a great man” —
Lionel Trilling : the moral imagination
George, I like reading “insightful essays” on anything under the sun including history and political writing. It appeals to me even more if the essays are really well written, and they usually are.
Prashant, I’m a fan of Gertrude Himmelfarb’s essays. I’ve learned a lot of history from her wonderful writing.
These texts are difficult for the layman to make sense of sometimes. Or at least, me. Glad someone makes them more accessible.
Patti, Gertrude Himmelfarb clears away all the clutter.
I’ve always thought hers was a name no one could ever forget. I’m interested in the 19th Century so these do sound worth looking at. But who knows when or if I’ll have time?
Jeff, you’re right about Gertrude HImmmelfarb’s name. Unforgettable. She certainly knows her stuff when it comes to the 19th Century.
Way too intellectual for me, I’m afraid. I guess I’ll stick with reading less demanding writing.
By the way, I forgot to say in my LCC post I had a chance to chat with Bryan Barrett last night. He was there, with Janet, as an LCC a founder. He’s doing pretty well, though has to use a walker these days.
Wish you were here, George.
Rick, I wish I was at LCC, too. Today I had to drive to the College for my Saturday class in the fog. Not fun.
I just gave away a large number of books, one of which was Himmelfarb’s Marriage and Morality in the Victorian Age. After carrying it around with me for thirty-plus years, I had to come to the sad realization I would never read it!
I meant to add: Now that I’ve read your review for this book, I’m kinda having “donator’s remorse.”
Deb, I’m a fan of all of Gertrude Himmelfarb’s writings. I’m sure you would enjoy her writing. It’s a clear as glass.
Deb, I remember reading MARRIAGE AND MORALITY IN THE VICTORIAN AGE! Of course, it was decades ago.