The University Bookman

Reviewing Books that Build Culture

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Hope—Is It Warranted at This Point?

“The past generation of American life, on Hunter’s account, has been one of intensifying ‘exhaustion’ and distrust, as the sources of pluralism have multiplied, and the endlessly ‘worked-through’ soil of the hybrid-Enlightenment has come to seem dry and depleted, no longer able to provide plausible accounts of human nature and the meaning of history that a majority of Americans can sign onto.”

The Life of Joseph Epstein

“This might have been a highly political book detailing the evolution of a conventional Cold War liberal into the conservative that he is regarded as being (even if he doesn’t label himself as such in these pages). It might have been, but it isn’t. No, this memoir was written simply because Epstein sees his life as ’emblematic of the times’ and secondly because he sees himself as having acquired the literary skill necessary to ‘recount that life well.'”

The U.S. Constitution and Slavery 

The U.S. Constitution and Slavery 

“…these works by Gilhooley and Watkins might be better framed not simply as critiques of the Philadelphia Constitution or of the original intent of its framers, but as critiques of the American experiment with popular constitutionalism itself.”

Draining the Swamp

Draining the Swamp

“What can be easily detected in these pages is Bernhardt’s skepticism, doubts, and concerns about the role of experts and expertise within the administrative state.”

After Liberalism…Faith?

After Liberalism…Faith?

“[Gray’s] newest book highlights the nature of the work right in the sub-title: ‘Thoughts after Liberalism.’ This is not an argument that liberalism has failed… or a program for what should come after liberalism… or a philosophical critique of liberalism… Instead, it is as though the reader has been invited to eavesdrop on Gray’s inner dialogues as he mulls over a post-liberal world.”

A Wild Ride Characterized by Potholes

A Wild Ride Characterized by Potholes

“Jesus in the Minnows places a firm coda on the Catholic beat phenomenon: firmly ensconcing what was good within it, while also reflectively revealing the unattractiveness of the hedonism from which the Lord led its members.”

For They Shall Be Comforted

For They Shall Be Comforted

“…St. Jerome[‘s]… heartfelt prose provides warm words of consolation and confident hope to friends mourning the loss of loved ones. Now, for the first time… seven of [his] celebrated letters have been translated into English…”

We Few, We Happy Few

We Few, We Happy Few

“For a humanistic revival to have a chance in the present, those attracted to the ideas of Babbitt and More need to forge friendships, foster communities, and coordinate efforts to bring these ideas to bear on the culture.”

Of Man and Lost Time

Of Man and Lost Time

“Herzog’s tale explores the surreal quality of a modern-day Robinson Crusoe-like story of a man who has lived in what appears to be a dream world.”

The Book Gallery

A collection of conversations with Bookman editor Luke C. Sheahan and writers and authors of imagination and erudition.

We're pleased to share that our Kirktober campaign in support of @ubookman is already off to a great start. $1k raised and counting from 17 supporters. Help us continue to review the books that shape culture by getting involved here: https://buff.ly/3XBZT1O

Kirktober is right around the corner, and for the first and only time this year, we're asking for your help in raising $20k to cover @ubookman operating expenses through spring 2025.

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