Did you know that John O’Sullivan, successor to Bill Buckley at National Review and now a prominent international journalist, got his start in journalism by writing for the University Bookman? As O’Sullivan mentioned in a panel discussion, Russell Kirk was the “first person to publish me, which was quite a big deal…. Not only did he accept [my piece] but he sent me what was a pretty generous check by the standards of the day…. That made me think: they pay you for expressing your opinions? This is marvelous.”
Many young people have found a warm welcome from University Bookman editors for their first book review. They join a collection of reliable and knowledgeable writers that contribute to the Bookman’s reputation among conservatively-inclined readers for thoughtful and trustworthy reviews and essays.
Since its founding in 1960 by Russell Kirk, the Bookman has examined the most important books of our time in light of the “permanent things” that constitute the best of Western civilization. Its reviews reach tens of thousands of general readers who are interested in higher culture and the life of the mind and spirit. In this way, the Bookman informs and shapes opinion, orientating it toward, in George Nash‘s phrase, the “right and the good.”
The Bookman is provided free of charge to all readers, without the deterrence of an annoying paywall. It is sustained entirely by the generosity of kind supporters. For the first and only time this year, we are asking for your support in order to raise $20,000 to cover operating expenses through the spring of 2025.
What will these funds be used for?
- To pay reviewers
- To cover website and media platform costs
- For our communication staff’s work.
The editors nobly volunteer their time for the good of the cause. And some reviewers forgo their honorarium to stretch the journal’s bandwidth. All contributions go towards the direct costs of running the journal.
How does the Bookman reach its readership?
- The Bookman posts each weekend on the Kirk Center’s website, typically two or three reviews or essays. These posts are disseminated via standard social media channels such as Facebook, “X”, and LinkedIn, among others.
- Last year, the editors started an e-letter that is delivered directly to inboxes each Friday. This has proven popular and is read by readers in 12 countries.
- Editor Luke Sheahan invites select authors of books we’ve reviewed to discussions on the “Book Gallery” webinar episodes. These videos are now available on our new YouTube channel.
- According to our website traffic statistics, approximately 20,000 individual people read Bookman posts annually.
- In addition, many reviewers and the pleased publishers of reviewed titles (assuming a positive review, that is!) share their pieces among their networks.
I hope you’ll agree that the Bookman is remarkably productive given its limited means. Would you kindly make a gift in support of the Bookman at one of these levels?
Over the course of 60 years, the Bookman has had only five editors: Russell Kirk, Annette Kirk, Jeff Nelson, Gerald Russello, and Luke Sheahan. They have all shared a continuity of purpose: to identify and discuss those books and topics that diagnose the modern age and to support cultural renewal. In the process, this endeavor has the intangible benefit of building a community of souls.
As you may know, October has been nicknamed “Kirktober” by some Russell Kirk readers in honor of his birthday on October 19. And the Book Gallery hosts a lively discussion focused on Kirk’s supernatural fiction each October. We hope to be able to announce that the goal of $20,000 has been reached by All Soul’s Day. At that successful conclusion, we will release an audio recording of one of Kirk’s short stories.
Longtime reader Jack Fowler remarked:
The University Bookman, an old and wise friend, a jewel, has never been more needed than now. A dedicated platform for the discussion of new books that deserve a hearing in the public square, University Bookman is a place of sanity and intelligence and honesty.
By making a contribution, you join with Bookman writers and readers to do our part to redeem the time.
Thank you,
Cecilia Kirk Nelson
Publications Manager
P.S. If you don’t currently receive the Friday e-letter, you may sign up on the website here by checking the box at the bottom of the page that reads:
“The University Bookman… Reviews and essays from the University Bookman, delivered to your inbox.”
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