Adam Kirsch Bücher

Bestsellerautor, Politiker, Frauenheld – Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) war eine der schillerndsten Figuren des 19. Jahrhunderts. Der geistige Vater des britischen Empire und Lieblingspremier Queen Victorias war zugleich der gefeierte Autor zahlreicher Romane. Adam Kirschs lebendige Biographie zeigt den außergewöhnlichen Menschen hinter der Fassade des bedeutenden Politikers. Benjamin Disraeli, Sohn einer jüdischen Einwandererfamilie aus Italien, war in der Londoner Gesellschaft genauso zu Hause wie auf dem politischen Parkett. Sein extravagantes Auftreten verschaffte ihm Aufmerksamkeit, und man sagte ihm zahlreiche Affären nach. Sein Erfolg als Romancier öffnete ihm die Türen zu den Salons, hier konnte er die Kontakte knüpfen, die ihm den Weg ins britische Unterhaus ebnen sollten. Politisch war Disraeli ein Mann der Gegensätze: ein Erzkonservativer, der von der liberalen Haltung Englands profitierte, ein getaufter Christ, der seine jüdische Herkunft dennoch als Grundlage seines Denkens betrachtete, ein ewiger Außenseiter, der von Ruhm und Ehre für England träumte. Seine Vorstellungen von Macht und der Weltherrschaft Großbritanniens und seine Überlegungen zum Nahen Osten sind bis heute von politischer Bedeutung.

"From Silicon Valley boardrooms to rural communes to academic philosophy departments, a seemingly inconceivable idea is being seriously discussed: that the end of humanity's reign on earth is imminent, and that we should welcome it"--

An erudite and accessible survey of Jewish life and culture in the twentieth century, as reflected in seminal texts.

A collection of moving and meditative poems that richly evoke a Gen X childhood in Los Angeles, exploring how our early recognitions shape our lives.

Adam Kirsch's award-winning poetry captures the complexities of romantic love alongside the tensions of American political history. His melodious verse reflects both joy and sorrow, showcasing a depth that suggests his work will stand the test of time. Critics note his potential to join the ranks of esteemed poets, highlighting the enduring quality of his writing.

Focusing on the transformative impact of six pivotal American poets, this book delves into their innovative approach to confessional poetry that emerged post-World War II. It highlights how their personal struggles with mental illness and addiction often overshadow their literary contributions. By providing critical "biographies of the poetry," the text traces each poet's artistic evolution, themes, and techniques, offering fresh insights for both new and seasoned readers, ultimately celebrating their significant achievements in American literature.

The collection delves into the interplay between history's dangers and the joys of private life, reflecting on the post-September 11 landscape. Using traditional forms, Kirsch crafts a contemporary sound that captures the complexities of modern culture. He juxtaposes diverse elements, from the allure of pop culture to the solemnity of religious spaces, creating a poignant exploration of the "magically real." This deeply personal work balances fear and hope, offering a rich tapestry of experiences and emotions.

A literary critic's journey through the Talmud.

Focusing on contemporary poetry, this collection of critical essays examines the works of notable poets like Billy Collins, Sharon Olds, and Derek Walcott. Originally published in esteemed magazines such as The New Republic and The New Yorker, the essays offer a thought-provoking analysis of the poets' contributions and achievements, providing readers with insights into the current landscape of poetry.

Part of the Jewish Encounter seriesA dandy, a best-selling novelist, and a man of political and sexual intrigue, Benjamin Disraeli was one of the most captivating figures of the nineteenth century. His flirtation with proto-Zionism, his ideas about power and empire, and his fantasies about the Middle East remain prophetically relevant today. How a man who was born a Jew--and who remained in the eyes of his countrymen a member of a despised minority--managed to become prime minister of England seems even today nothing short of miraculous.In this compelling biography, renowned poet and critic Adam Kirsch looks at Disraeli as a novelist as well as a statesman, recognizing that the outsider Jew who became one of the world's most powerful men was his own greatest character. Though baptized by his father at the age of twelve, Disraeli was seen--and saw himself--as a Jew. But her created an idea of Jewishness to rival the British notion of aristocracy.Disraeli was a figure of fascinating an archconservative who benefited from England's liberal attitudes, a baptized Christian who saw Jewishness as a matter of racial superiority, a perennial outsider who dreamed of glory for England, which, in the words of one contemporary, became for Disraeli "the Israel of his imagination."