Ce poète et penseur politique américain explore la tension entre la liberté et l'ordre au sein d'une prose complexe et souvent lyrique. Son œuvre se penche sur les influences historiques et leurs échos dans la société contemporaine, offrant un aperçu des débats idéologiques durables. La précision de son analyse et une profonde sensibilité poétique rendent ses contributions littéraires remarquables.
Exploring the contrasting reactions of American and European intellectuals during the Cold War, Peter Viereck delves into their responses to the dangers posed by Nazism and Soviet communism. As a prominent voice in modern conservatism, he provides a critical analysis that reflects the ideological divides of the era. This classic work, enriched by a new preface from 2006, offers insight into the intellectual landscape shaped by these historical threats.
"Every major point is concretely illustrated by an appended cross-reference to a primary source in the second half, a well-chosen anthology of key conservative documents. Criteria for inclusion are three: representativeness, depth of perception, importance of influence. The result is not uniformity but a gamut: from extreme intolerant reaction to an evolutionary moderate spirit. The former passes imperceptibly into authoritarianism: the latter, into liberalism." "In Viereck's view, conservatism is hardly simple, being more an implicit temperament and less an articulate philosophy than other political ideologies. His aim in this volume is to reach beyond partisanship and specialization to address, with clarity, sobriety, and documentation, both the general reader and the scholarly community."--BOOK JACKET.
Exploring the intersection of history and literature, Peter Viereck delivers a sharp critique of the American yearning for normalcy, which he argues fosters a culture that suppresses individuality. This volume combines a reproduction of his earlier work with new insights, highlighting the dangers of conformism and the loss of personal identity within society. Viereck's analysis challenges readers to reflect on the implications of cultural surrender and the importance of maintaining one's unique voice.
As a prominent poet and historian, Peter Viereck offers a unique perspective on conservatism within modern American political thought. His work delves into the philosophical underpinnings of conservative ideology, blending literary artistry with historical analysis. Viereck's contributions provide valuable insights into the evolution of conservative principles and their relevance in contemporary discourse, making him an influential figure in both literary and political spheres.
The book delves into the enduring mystery of Nazism, exploring its origins and fundamental characteristics more than fifty years after the fall of the Third Reich. It examines the ideologies and historical contexts that contributed to its rise, while also addressing the lingering questions and implications that continue to affect contemporary society. This analysis invites readers to reflect on the complexities of this dark chapter in history and its relevance today.
Anatole France once remarked that "translation is an impossible thing," highlighting a truth that Daniel Weissbort explores in Transplantings, a culmination of Viereck's sixty-five-year project. This work, completed shortly before Viereck's death, delves into the unique aesthetic dimensions of translating poetry from major foreign languages. Viereck's insights reveal him not only as a substantive poet but also as a significant public intellectual. He critically engages with major figures like Stefan George and Georg Heym, while also reviewing the works of Goethe, Novalis, and Rilke. Viereck emphasizes the distinction between the poetical and the political, asserting that the quality of poetry should not be measured by political standards, nor should political actions be defined by poetic commitment. The exploration of German, French, and Italian thought uncovers a divide that, while narrowable, remains challenging. Transplantings does not simplify the reader's journey; instead, it illustrates how the passion of great poetry is rooted in national traditions and how translation fosters an international culture. This major work by Viereck, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and historian, is essential reading for those interested in the interplay between European and American experiences.
