On Democracy: E. B. White's Essays on Freedom, Fascism, and Hope in an Age of Uncertainty

ISBN: 0062905457

Author: White, E. B.

Condition: New

A New York Times Book Review New & Noteworthy BookFor democracys weary champions, Whites time-tested prose is a shot of adrenaline.-Madeleine AlbrightA collection of essays, letters, and poems from E. B. White, one of the countrys great literary treasures (New York Times), centered on the subject of freedom and democracy in America. The special book includes an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham.I am a member of a party of one, and I live in an age of fear.These words were written by E. B. White in 1947. Decades before our current political turmoil, White crafted eloquent yet practical political statements that continue to resonate. Theres only one kind of press thats any good- he proclaimed, a press free from any taint of the government. He condemned the trend of defamation, arguing that in doubtful, doubting days, national morality tends to slip and slide toward a condition in which the test of a mans honor is his zeal for discovering dishonor in others. And on the spread of fascism he lamented, fascism enjoys at the moment an almost perfect climate for growth-a world of fear and hunger.This concise collection of essays, letters, and poems from one of this countrys most eminent literary voices offers much-needed historical context for our current state of the nation-and hope for the future of our society. Speaking to Americans at a time of uncertainty, when democracy itself has come under threat, he reminds us, As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman . . . the scene is not desolate.Timeless Political Writing: Discover why Whites declaration from 1947-I am a member of a party of one, and I live in an age of fear-feels as urgent and relevant today as it did at the dawn of the Cold War. Freedom of the Press: Explore Whites unwavering defense of a press free from government influence, a core principle he championed decades before todays debates on media integrity. Defense of Civil Liberties: Witness his eloquent condemnation of a political climate of defamation, where the test of a mans honor is his zeal for discovering dishonor in others. Hope for the Future: Find inspiration in his enduring belief that as long as one compassionate person remains, the scene is not desolate-a powerful message for uncertain times. Historical Context by Jon Meacham: Gain deeper insight from the introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham, who frames Whites work as essential reading for our own contentious era.