Cultural Amnesia

February 1, 2007
Philip Hodgins Memorial Medal winner James, who has published numerous books of criticism, autobiography, and poetry, presents his life's work in this resource guide covering what the author has learned as well as what he has failed to learn in his decades of writing about history and the arts. In more than 107 original essays organized by quotations from A to Z, James discusses some of the great thinkers, artists, humanists, and politicians who have shaped the 20th century, e.g., talk-show host Dick Cavett, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, jazz musician Louis Armstrong, and novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. Preceding each essay is a brief biography of the luminary. Throughout, James states that we need a universal humanism and questions how to get it. His finely written, valuable, and comprehensive almanac, illustrated with 110 photographs, is highly recommended for public and academic libraries.Susan McClellan, Avalon P.L., Pittsburgh

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 1, 2007
" As of This Writing" (2003) showcased the range and brilliance of James' criticism. In this towering volume, the fruit of 40 years of passionate involvement, James proves to be a consummate writer of biographical essays. Motivated by concern that we are losing track of the great thinkers and creators of the last century and forgetting the true nature of humanism, the force that "makes civilization civilized," James explicates the accomplishments of more than 100 seminal artists, writers, composers, and philosophers. The dream capital of James' republic of culture is Vienna during the heyday of cafe society, and his guiding light is the Viennese polymath Egon Friedell (1878-1938). James' remembrance of his hero is at once electrifying and profoundly moving, and so it is throughout this magnificent, soulful, and unpredictable assemblage. Where else might a reader come upon side-by-side considerations of Albert Camus and Dick Cavett? Coco Chanel and Charlie Chaplin? James also writes incisively and entertainingly of Miles Davis, Erik Satie, and Beatrix Potter. His knowledge is encompassing, his interpretations provocative. James not only preserves culture and nurtures humanism but also revitalizes the beauty and power of the English language.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)