The Free World

History doesn’t ride only on the backs of soldiers and politicians. It’s also formed by thought and art, which reciprocally reflect historical circumstances.  

In this splendid book of vast coverage, Menand takes on thought and artistic expression in the entire Western world from 1945 into the 21st century. Heavies like Martin Heidegger are joined on stage by the likes of Elvis Presley. 

In Menand’s hands — light of touch, his style unbrokenly lucid—the most profound books and musical compositions are comprehensible. All sorts of subjects—science, Hollywood, existentialism, consumerism—come alive and move along with the smoothness of a French railroad car.… show more.

Louis Menand’s monumental corpus of works combines his deep and intimate knowledge of America’s cultural works, European histories, world politics, and political struggles into a sprawling assessment of art and thought that begins with his previous book, The Metaphysical Club, and runs through the Cold War’s conception and representation of The Free World. Menand’s writing is always deeply engaging, captivating, and clear, fueled by his extraordinary knowledge and resolute devotion to central intellectual questions.

I have engaged with some of the realms with which he has truck on account of my own writings about Noam Chomsky’s and Zellig… show more.