Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: The Ascent from Ideology

by Daniel J. Mahoney

Overview

In Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Daniel Mahoney presents a philosophical perspective on the political condition of modern man through an exegesis and analysis of Solzhenitsyn's work. Mahoney demonstrates the tremendous, yet often unappreciated, impact of Solzhenitsyn's writing on twentieth century thinking through an examination of the writer's profoundly important critique of communist totalitarianism in a judicious and original mix of western and Russian, Christian and classical wisdom.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742569737
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	08/07/2001
Series:	20th Century Political Thinkers
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	200
Sales rank:	1,050,386
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Daniel J. Mahoney is associate professor of political science at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. His previous books have dealt with Raymond Aron, Charles de Gaulle, Pierre Manent, and Aurel Kolnai. In 1999 he was awarded the prestigious Prix Aron.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introductory Note: Taking Solzhenitsyn Seriously
Chapter 2 The One True Progress: Solzhenitsyn's Alternative to Modern Liberalism
Chapter 3 The Experience of Totalitarianism and the Recovery of Nature
Chapter 4 True and False Liberalism: Stolypin and His Enemies in August 1914
Chapter 5 The Ascent from Modernity:Repentance and Self-Limitation in the Life of Nations
Chapter 6 The Physiognomy of Liberty: Solzhenitsyn's Tocquevillian Defense of Local Self-Government
Chapter 7 Concluding Reflection: The Soul between Politics and Eternity

What People are Saying About This

Jay Nordlinger

Mahoney understands Solzhenitsyn as very few do, and he orients the great writer for us all. This is a book that should destroy the myth of Solzhenitsyn as an autocrat, a theocrat, a right-winger, etc. And it is as exquisitely written as it is conceived. A real pearl of a volume.

Editorial Reviews

In the natural progression of the ripening of Solzhenitsyn criticism, what has been needed is a book by a political theorist who is at home in the vocabulary of political philosophy and fully familiar with the categories and concepts of that field. Daniel Mahoney fills this niche and his study advances Sozhenitsyn criticism not by small or even medium sized increments, but by a quantum leap forward. Mahoney's book will stand as the book on Solzhenitsyn's politics, precisely because it does not treat politics as a self-contained and free-standing entity, i.e. it does not tear the politics out of the overarching moral vision. This book is simply superb..

Edward E. Ericson

Even before Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn confessed that in his years of exile in the United States he had not taken up our habit of 'chatting at filling stations,' Americans had decided to disdain him. He was some sort of autocrat or authoritarian, a theocrat, a self-ordained prophet, not to mention an ingrate who had unkind things to say about America and other western nations. If Daniel Mahoney’s book does not cause us to rethink our opinions about Solzhenitsyn, it’s hard to imagine what could. Mahoney’s open-minded and manifestly intelligent analysis of a wide array of his writings shows Solzhenitsyn to be an ardent, albeit measured and reasoned defender of constitutionalism and democratic freedom. He is also, as Mahoney puts it, 'a postmodern foundationalist,' a thoughtful man who did not begin a Christian, but whose experience and reflections on human nature—his 'anthropological conclusions'—led him to its embrace. Not ignorance of the West, of its politics and way of life and of its philosophic underpinnings, but precisely a profound understanding of these enables Mahoney’s Solzhenitsyn to speak to the mind and heart of every human being.

Delba Winthrop

This very remarkable and most timely book differs from others on Solzhenitsyn by highlighting his 'critique of ideology' and his 'recovery of the 'natural world.' Mahoney's exceptionally penetrating, wonderfully judcious, and always accessible analysis is on the cutting edge of thought today.

American Political Science Review

Mahoney provides the most fair-minded and attractive account of Solzhenitsyn's political thought to date.

First Things - Robert P. Kraynak

Mahoney reintroduces Solzhenitsyn as a political thinker who deserves to be included in the ranks of Raymond Aron, Jacques Maritain, Martin Buber, and John Dewey, among others.

Foreign Affairs

Solzhenitsyn's literary genius as a chronicler of the totalitarian past is universally recognized. Daniel Mahoney persuasively suggests that the great Russian witness and writer is also a serious political philosopher with important things to say about the democratic future.

George Weigel

In an age of uninhibited materialism and crass popular culture, where the demands of the fast-paced 'information age' make us so busy we can entirely forget the spiritual realm, Mahoney's book on Solzhenitsyn is a refreshment for the soul. It reminds us that the most important possession of our time on earth is our character, and our character cannot be properly tended unless we allow it to pursue its longing for the true and eternal.

James F. Pontuso

In the natural progression of the ripening of Solzhenitsyn criticism, what has been needed is a book by a political theorist who is at home in the vocabulary of political philosophy and fully familiar with the categories and concepts of that field. Daniel Mahoney fills this niche and his study advances Solzhenitsyn criticism not by small or even medium sized increments, but by a quantum leap forward. Mahoney's book will stand as the book on Solzhenitsyn's politics, precisely because it does not treat politics as a self-contained and free-standing entity, i.e. it does not tear the politics out of the overarching moral vision. This book is simply superb.

Edward E. Ericson Jr.

Mahoney offers a splendid and always reliable analysis of the political, philosophical, and moral dimensions of Solzhenitsyn's writings which demonstrates that contrary to widespread journalistic assumptions, Solzhenitsyn is deeply indebted to a long line of classic thinkers going all the way back to Plato and Aristotle.

Alexis Klimoff

Everything Daniel Mahoney writes is worth reading and this book, in particular, shows how Solzhenitsyn's vision is even more relevant today than it was in the dark days of the Soviet Occupation.

Michael Novak

By allowing Solzhenitsyn to speak above the din of those who dismiss him, Mahoney has given us a great gift. His interpretations of Solzhenitsyn's speeches, essays, and books are especially incisive in recognizing Solzhenitsyn's significane for political philosophy, and political philosophy's postmodern task of grappling with ideological evil.

Modern Age

Solzhenitsyn presents quite a challenge to anyone attempting a comprehensive assessment of his thought. Daniel Mahoney meets the challenge squarely in his excellent new book.

Perspectives on Political Science

Mahoney has written the book about the politics of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

American Enterprise

Through its penetrating and comprehensive assessment of Solzhenitsyn's significance, Professor Mahoney's book is a lesson in human greatness as well as a powerful contribution to our understanding of modern tyranny.

Pierre Manent

Mahoney understands Solzhenitsyn as very few do, and he orients the great writer for us all. This is a book that should destroy the myth of Solzhenitsyn as an autocrat, a theocrat, a right-winger, etc. And it is as exquisitely written as it is conceived. A real pearl of a volume.

Jay Nordlinger

A much-needed meditation on the limit of politics, through a study of the writings of Solzhenitsyn.

Sunday Telegraph - Anthony Daniels

Excellent new book.

National Review

Mahoney provides the most fair-minded and attractive account of Solzhenitsyn's political thought to date.--Robert P. Kraynak "First Things "

Mahoney understands Solzhenitsyn as very few do, and he orients the great writer for us all. This is a book that should destroy the myth of Solzhenitsyn as an autocrat, a theocrat, a right-winger, etc. And it is as exquisitely written as it is conceived. A real pearl of a volume.--Jay Nordlinger

A much-needed meditation on the limit of politics, through a study of the writings of Solzhenitsyn.--Anthony Daniels "Sunday Telegraph "

From the Publisher

Excellent new book.

National Review

Solzhenitsyn presents quite a challenge to anyone attempting a comprehensive assessment of his thought. Daniel Mahoney meets the challenge squarely in his excellent new book.

Perspectives On Political Science

A much-needed meditation on the limit of politics, through a study of the writings of Solzhenitsyn.
— Anthony Daniels

Sunday Telegraph

Mahoney provides the most fair-minded and attractive account of Solzhenitsyn's political thought to date.
— Robert P. Kraynak

First Things