Images of women have been used as allegorical representations of America since the sixteenth century. Initially, a savage Indian Queen symbolized the alien and mythic New World. But as European colonization became entrenched, the allegory of America was transformed into an Anglicized woman with which the colonizers could more easily identify. The process of Anglicization that transformed the Indian Queen into a Europeanized woman inspired printmakers to unconsciously project their notions of proper womanhood onto what they intended to be political symbols. Allegorical representations of America, whether produced by European or American limners, pictorially represented a tension between societal expectations for submissive feminine behavior and the reality that women, in fact, exercised considerable power in both the public and private spheres.
In a cultural landscape dominated by hot takes and petty polemics, The Point stands for something different. Informed by the conviction that humanistic thinking has relevance for everyday life, the magazine has long maintained a rare space for thoughtful dialogue between a wide range of political views, philosophical perspectives, and personal experiences: its contributors include liberals and conservatives, philosophers and activists, Marxists and Catholics, New Yorkers and Midwesterners. A little more than a decade since its founding on the campus of the University of Chicago, it offers a unique and revelatory look at the changing face of America, one that speaks not only to way American minds have been forced to “open” by a decade of trauma and transformation, but also to the challenge of remaining open to our fellow citizens during our deeply divided present. Featuring award-winning and highly acclaimed essays from The Point’s first ten years, The Opening of the American Mind traces the path of American intellect from the magazine’s inception in 2009, when Barack Obama was ascending the steps of the White House, to the brink of the 2020 election. The essays, chosen both for the way they capture their time and transcend it, are assembled into five sections that address cycles of cultural frustrations, social movements, and the aftermath of the 2016 election, and provide lively, forward-looking considerations of how we might expand our imaginations into the future. Spanning the era of Obama and Trump, Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and renewed attention to reparations, this anthology offers critical reflections on some of the decade’s most influential events and stands as a testament to the significance of open exchange. The intellectual dialogue provided by The Point has never been more urgently needed, and this collection will bring the magazine’s vital work to an even broader readership.
Fredric Jameson takes on the allegorical form Works do not have meanings, they soak up meanings: a work is a machine for libidinal investments (including the political kind). It is a process that sorts incommensurabilities and registers contradictions (which is not the same as solving them!) The inevitable and welcome conflict of interpretations - a discursive, ideological struggle - therefore needs to be supplemented by an account of this simultaneous processing of multiple meanings, rather than an abandonment to liberal pluralisms and tolerant (or intolerant) relativisms. This is not a book about "method", but it does propose a dialectic capable of holding together in one breath the heterogeneities that reflect our biological individualities, our submersion in collective history and class struggle, and our alienation to a disembodied new world of information and abstraction. Eschewing the arid secularities of philosophy, Walter Benjamin once recommended the alternative of the rich figurality of an older theology; in that spirit we here return to the antiquated Ptolemaic systems of ancient allegory and its multiple levels (a proposal first sketched out in The Political Unconscious); it is tested against the epic complexities of the overtly allegorical works of Dante, Spenser and the Goethe of Faust II, as well as symphonic form in music, and the structure of the novel, postmodern as well as Third-World: about which a notorious essay on National Allegory is here reprinted with a theoretical commentary; and an allegorical history of emotion is meanwhile rehearsed from its contemporary, geopolitical context.
Allegory in America surveys the history of American allegorical writing from the Puritans through the period of American romanticism to postmodernism. In a series of theoretical chapters the cultural function of allegory is discussed in relation to the mythology of American exceptionalism. Each theoretical chapter is followed by a chapter that analyzes a specific text or group of texts. Allegorical indeterminacy is seen to produce a literary tradition that both represents and subverts the ideals of American orthodoxy.
Originally published in new York 1924. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork A comprehensive discourse on the early rise and expansion of the so-called "Invisible Empire" of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Contents Include: The Rise of the Invisible Empire. The Shadow of the Past. Concerning Klan Psychology. The Klan and Nativism. The Klan and Anti-Catholicism. Secrecy and Citizenship. Etc.
The Battle for the American Mind brings together religion, politics, economics, science, and literature to present a compelling history of the American people. In this brief and entertaining book, noted historian Carl J. Richard argues that there have been three worldviews that have dominated American thought--theism, humanism, and skepticism. Theists put their faith in God, humanists in man, and skeptics have faith in neither god nor man. Each worldview has had an epoch of domination, leading to the present "Age of Confusion" where theists, humanists, and skeptics battle one another for control of American hearts and minds. By clearly explaining what Americans believed, exploring why they did so, and showing how that impacted the nation's development, Carl J. Richard presents a unique portrait of the United States--past and present.
Tells the story of an American couple's fated attempt to regenerate their strange and troubled marriage as they journey through North Africa. The book is a portrayal of a man's physical and mental disintegration and is written by the author of Midnight Mass.
Welcome to the enlightening world of "The American Mind" by Bliss Perry, a thought-provoking exploration of the intellectual and cultural landscape of America that offers readers a deeper understanding of the nation's history, values, and identity. Prepare to embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of American thought and ideas as Perry delves into the minds of the nation's most influential thinkers, writers, and leaders. From the founding fathers to the modern-day visionaries, from the Transcendentalists to the Pragmatists, this insightful book examines the diverse strands of thought that have shaped the American psyche. Join Perry as he explores the key themes and ideas that have defined the American experience, from democracy and individualism to freedom and progress. Through engaging prose and meticulous research, he offers readers a comprehensive overview of the intellectual currents that have shaped the nation's history and shaped its destiny. "The American Mind" is more than just a survey of American thought—it's a celebration of the nation's intellectual vitality and creative spirit. Perry's insightful analysis and engaging storytelling shed light on the complexities of American culture and offer readers a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices that have contributed to its development. The overall tone of the book is one of curiosity and exploration, as Perry invites readers to join him on a journey of discovery through the annals of American history and literature. Through his vivid descriptions and vivid characterizations, he brings to life the ideas and personalities that have shaped the American mind. Since its publication, "The American Mind" has been praised for its erudition, insight, and readability, making it a beloved classic of American intellectual history. Its exploration of the nation's intellectual heritage offers readers a valuable perspective on the ideas and values that continue to shape American society today. Whether you're a student of American history, a lover of ideas, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of the American experience, "The American Mind" promises an enlightening and enriching reading experience. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and ultimately transformed by Bliss Perry's masterful exploration of the nation's intellectual landscape. Experience the richness of "The American Mind" today. Order your copy now and embark on a journey of discovery through the heart and soul of America.
