Russell Kirk: A Critical Biography of a Conservative Mind

(Paperback)

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When people look to the founding of the modern conservative movement, they must ultimately look to Russell Kirk (19181994). Author of the groundbreaking treatise The Conservative Mind, Kirk defined conservative political thought for the postWorld War II era. An imaginative and optimistic thinker, Kirk wrote essays in justice, society, education, economics, history, and literature that are timeless reminders of what Kirk called the permanent things: honor, courage, character, virtue, constancy, humility, wisdom, order, and prudence. His creative spirit is immortalized not only in his political work, howeverKirk also left behind a rich collection of spine-tingling horror stories and sophisticated novels. James E. Person Jr. explores every aspect of Kirks quiet genius. His findings provide much needed insight into the mind of a philosopher who defined a movement that provokes heated debate to this day. Persons analysis traces conservatism to its roots and, in the process, uncovers important lessons for the future.

Reviews

In this highly accessible and readable introduction to the life and works of Russell Kirk, Person provides a coherent and convincing analysis of Kirks enduring significance to American politics and humane learning. Originally published in 1999, the volumeremains an excellent contribution to scholarship. Persons mission is to introduce a new generation to one of the greatest minds this nation has produced during the twentieth century. The book is organized into four sections that outline Kirks achievement. The first is devoted to interpreting Kirks background, use of historical consciousness, views on education, and constitutionalism. The second critiques Kirks devotion to the importance of literature and social criticism. The last two sections survey Kirks economic thought and his lasting importance as a political thinker. The greatest contribution of this worthwhile volume can be found in the authors review of Kirks defense of a social order grounded in justice and the diffusion of political power. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. * CHOICE *
Deft, informative, and amazingly comprehensive; friendly to its subject but not slavishly so. * The University Bookman *
[Person's] book represents a signal contribution to Kirk scholarship. * Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture *
Russell Kirk's scholarship gave respectability to the conservative movement after World War II. He stands at the very summit of political philosophers, and Person's biography is indeed worthy of its subject. -- Congressman Henry J. Hyde, M. C.
This book...will show an entire new generation what a fine man and excellent thinker lived in our time. -- Ray Bradbury
Person's book helps us not only in measuring the value of Russell Kirk's contribution to conservative thought, but also in discerning his worthy role in American life and letters. It is a book that reminds us, too, of how much Kirk has helped us to fathom the true nature of 'armed doctrines' in our time. -- George A. Panichas, author of The Critical Legacy of Irving Babbitt: An Appreciation and editor of Modern Age
A brilliant synthesis of the many strands making up Russell Kirk's amazing life and legacy. Person brings to vivid life the man and the career that made modern conservatism possible, and could re-enliven it today. -- Bruce Frohnen, Ohio Northern University, historian and author of Virtue and the Promise of Conservatism
Russell Kirk and his writings should be part of the education of every Americanconservative or liberalwho thinks seriously and deeply about the future of our republic. An excellent introduction, sustained by sound scholarship, and enlivened by vivid writing. -- Alf J. Mapp Jr., author of Three Golden Ages: Discovering the Creative Secrets of Renaissance Florence, Elizabethan England, and America's Founding

Author Bio

James E. Person Jr. worked in reference publishing for over 30 years, writing for and editingsuchdistinguished referenceworks as Major Twentieth-Century Writers, Literature Criticism from 1400 to 1800, and Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. His essays, article,andreviews have appeared in Modern Age, National Review, The University Bookman, and TheSewanee Review, among many other venues. He is the editor of The Unbought Grace of Life: Essays in Honor of Russell Kirk and the author of Earl Hamner: From Walton's Mountain to Tomorrow.