Democracy, Esther, Mont Saint Michel and Chartres, The Education of Henry Adams (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Pure delight. -- USA Today

[O]ne sees the full range of Henry Adams ... The apparatus prepared by Ernest and Jayne Samuels is illuminating. -- Language and Literature

Product Description

The major works of Henry Adams, one of the most powerful writers of the late nineteenth century, collected in one volume for the first time. Contains "The Education of Henry Adams" and "Mont Saint Michel and Chartres," his remarkable works of nonfiction combining philosophical and historical speculation with autobiographical musings on his famous heritage. Also includes his two novels of American politics and religion, "Democracy" and "Esther."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1246 pages
• Publisher: Library of America; First Printing edition (November 15, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940450127
• ISBN-13: 978-0940450127
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #221,714 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the most brilliant minds in American literature, June 12, 2000

By A Customer

While Adams novels (Democracy and Esther) may be lightweight, the other two works included in this volume are two of the best non-fiction American books ever. Adams has the kind of intellect that seems capable of encompassing everything. Like Joseph Campbell or Harold Bloom, Adams often leaves the reader in awe of how much he knows and how he is able to make the connections that so clearly illuminate everything he touches upon. This is one of my favorite volumes in the Library of America series, and I know that anyone who appreciates intelligence, wit, and charm in a writer will enjoy reading it.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Greatest hits, January 20, 2003

By	M. A Newman (Alexandria, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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The Library of America is one of the best organizations. Here at last are both novels, his interesting autobiography, and Mont St Michel all under one roof.

"Democracy" is one of the best political novels of all time and speaking as a denizen of the nation's capital, very little has changed. Esther is attempt deal with the "woman question." Clearly the inspiration of both books is Mrs. Henry Adams. Known as "Voltaire in petticoats" (Henry James), she later tragically took her own life following a period of depression. The death of his wife led to Henry Adams' retirement from public life. This subject is covered in Ernest Samuels' wonderful biography (which I also recommend).

I suggest a look at his biography since the subject of Marion Clover Adams is avoided entirely in "The Education of Henry Adams." Henry Adams may not discuss his wife, but he does touch on nearly everything else of importance in his autobiography. "Growing up Adams," life in Europe with Garibaldi's forces, life at the British legation in London during the Civil War are all addressed. The best and probably the most key chapter in the book is the one entitled "The Virgin and Dynamo." Adams uses the 1876 cenntenial fair as a departure to meditate of the impact of the industrial revolution. Adams believed with the growth of technology that man would somehow outgrow the simple humanity of the Middle Ages (it would have been interesting if Adams had lived long enough to meet someone like Carl Jung to see what he would have to say on this subject!). One of the foremost historians (the Library of America has also issued the history of Jefferson and Madison's Administrations, which is a classic), Adams became interested in the Middle Ages and his survey of the two great cathedrals of France Chartes and Mont St. Michel is the final book in the volume. I cannot recommend this book too highly, it is a must for all fans of Henry Adams and those who would like to experience him for the first time.

5.0 out of 5 stars Henry Adams, December 2, 2009

By	Richard E. Nystrom "Lionheart" (Apex , North Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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I believe that Henry Adams was an extraordinary visionary and interpreter of the developing world in his age. His interpretation and studies of 12th century religion is fir me deeply inspirational.His writings about Chartes and Mont Saint Michel are a unique gift to our religious understandings.