- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (Sep 1 2002)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0226038696
- ISBN-13: 978-0226038698
- Product Dimensions: 22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 454 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#39,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3 in Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Movements > Pragmatism
- #10 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Philosophers
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
"James anticipated the second half of the 20th century; relativism and urgent existentialism are more than implicit in his thinking. However, he was also an old-fashioned Yankee stoic, skeptical but always yearning for a faith he knew he would never really have. In this book he emerges as a friend to a distinguished contemporary historian - Jacques Barzun's intellectual guide and moral example. Somewhere in the universe the ardent, robust walker William James must be quietly delighted at receiving this eloquent and wise testimonial." - Robert Coles, New York Times Book Review "This book contains the central constructive thesis upon which its author's profound reputation is based. It is, in itself, an education in the liberal arts." - Martin Lebowitz, The Virginia Quarterly Review
Product Description
With this book, Jacques Barzun pays what he describes as an "intellectual debt" to William James—psychologist, philosopher, and, for Barzun, guide and mentor. Commenting on James's life, thought, and legacy, Barzun leaves us with a wise and civilized distillation of the great thinker's work.
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Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A walk to remember!,
By Kevin Currie-Knight "Education Grad Student" (Newark, Delaware) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Stroll with William James (Paperback)
After reading 5 of his books now, I'm not sure there's much that Jacques Barzun can't do. Honestly, I, like most people, think they understand William James and I, like most people, found out that I was further from him than I thought. In an engaging thrill of a book, Barzun explains James- dare I say it- better than James explained James. Of course, WIlliam James, who, when pragmatism is differentiated from pragmaticism, pioneered a completely new system of thought. As such, he did not always express himself well. His "Pragmatism" befuddled more people than not and "The Meaning of Truth," meant as a clarification, confused those not already scratching their heads. In the end, James fell by the philosophical wayside until Barzun dusted our friend off and re-introduced us. Barzun explains James' pragmatism from the ground up, so to speak. He starts with "The Principles of Psychology," which is really one of the best written pieces of American non-fiction on the planet and James' philosophical starting point. Next, he goes into "Pragmatism" and "The Meaning of Truth" taking much of the ambiguity out of a philosophy already difficult to the unaccustomed. Next, "A Pluralistic Universe" gets a summation along with "Varieties of Religious Experience." I hope I am not leaving you with the imppression that Barzun is doing any of this in an academically dry, sardonic manner. Nope. Just like James, his words bubble with excitement and humongous energy. Honestly, before I started this book, I wasn't the biggest fan of William James and after, I'm still not the biggest fan of Wiliam James (preferring John Dewey much more). Still, I've come away the better for getting to know Barzun and James; i've read a great book and learned a bit more about a great (if tragic) philosophy. Also, read "The Metaphysical Club" and James' own "Principles of Psychology."
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews) 64 of 71 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A walk to remember!,
By Kevin Currie-Knight "Education Grad Student" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: A Stroll with William James (Paperback)
After reading 5 of his books now, I'm not sure there's much that Jacques Barzun can't do. Honestly, I, like most people, think they understand William James and I, like most people, found out that I was further from him than I thought. In an engaging thrill of a book, Barzun explains James- dare I say it- better than James explained James. Of course, WIlliam James, who, when pragmatism is differentiated from pragmaticism, pioneered a completely new system of thought. As such, he did not always express himself well. His "Pragmatism" befuddled more people than not and "The Meaning of Truth," meant as a clarification, confused those not already scratching their heads. In the end, James fell by the philosophical wayside until Barzun dusted our friend off and re-introduced us. Barzun explains James' pragmatism from the ground up, so to speak. He starts with "The Principles of Psychology," which is really one of the best written pieces of American non-fiction on the planet and James' philosophical starting point. Next, he goes into "Pragmatism" and "The Meaning of Truth" taking much of the ambiguity out of a philosophy already difficult to the unaccustomed. Next, "A Pluralistic Universe" gets a summation along with "Varieties of Religious Experience." I hope I am not leaving you with the imppression that Barzun is doing any of this in an academically dry, sardonic manner. Nope. Just like James, his words bubble with excitement and humongous energy. Honestly, before I started this book, I wasn't the biggest fan of William James and after, I'm still not the biggest fan of Wiliam James (preferring John Dewey much more). Still, I've come away the better for getting to know Barzun and James; i've read a great book and learned a bit more about a great (if tragic) philosophy. Also, read "The Metaphysical Club" and James' own "Principles of Psychology." 6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Barzun & James,
By mary brogan-sizemore "Tonstant Weader" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Stroll with William James (Paperback)
This beautifully written meditation on the character and talent of William James was in itself a pleasure to read. Even more valuable was the impetus it provided for me to get into James himself, first "Varieties of Religious Experience," then "Principles of Psychology," both of which surpassed even Barzun for the delicious time spent with that great and generous intellect. Such a pleasure. Thanks, Jacques!
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