From Art to Politics: Octavio Paz and the Pursuit of Freedom

(Paperback)

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This book offers an analysis of Paz's political thought, arguing that it is rooted in two separate and often antagonistic traditions, Liberalism and Romanticism. Grenier shows that Paz's political thought is best approached not so much by looking at the specific positions Paz took in the issues of his day, but rather by uncovering the core values at the heart of Paz's political philosophy. From Art to Politics gives not only a better understanding of Paz's thought, but also a discussion of the political culture and democratization of Mexico. The book takes a novel look at issues such as the relations between art and politics, the role of intellectuals, and the penchant of academics for 'machination' theories in the area of art and culture. The result is an account of Paz's work that is both more focused and more ambitious than those offered in previous books on Paz's politics.

Reviews

An important contribution to research on Paz... The present volume includes extensive notes and is recommended for upper-division undergraduates through faculty. * Choice Reviews *
This is an important book that will be of interest both to students of Latin American literature and to readers concerned with significant trends in contemporary political thought. Grenier develops a powerful new reading of the work of Octavio Paz; at the same time, he uses Paz's writings as a springboard for a broad meditation on the boundaries of liberal thought and the linkages between art and politics. From Art to Politics is by far the best book available in any language on Paz's essayistic work. -- Maarten van Delden, University of California, Los Angeles

Author Bio

Yvon Grenier is professor of political science at St. Francis Xavier University.