intellectual life

"A stirring group biography of the Inklings, the Oxford writing club featuring J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis"--.

Sketches of the author's early life in Paris in the twenties provide nostalgic reminiscences of his first marriage and the discipline of developing his own literary craft.

Provides a history of French intellectual thought, exploring how French thinking has shaped Western ideas about freedom, rationality, and justice.

Explores how artistic life in Paris flourished during the four years of Nazi occupation, profiling writers, painters, composers, actors, and dancers who worked throughout the occupation and describing the theaters, opera houses, movie theaters, and nightclubs that entertained soldiers and civilians.

Born in Jamaica, Francis Barber was brought to London by his owner in 1750 and became a servant in the household of the renowned Dr. Samuel Johnson. Although Barber left London for a time and served in the British navy during the Seven Years' War, he later returned to Johnson's employ. A fascinating reversal took place in the relationship between the two men as Johnson's health declined and the older man came to rely more and more upon his now educated and devoted companion. When Johnson died he left the bulk of his estate to Barber, a generous (and at the time scandalous) legacy, and a testament to the depth of their friendship. There were thousands of black Britons in the eighteenth century, but few accounts of their lives exist. In uncovering Francis Barber's story, this book not only provides insights into his life and Samuel Johnson's but also opens a window onto London when slaves had yet to win their freedom.

Set in the town where Thomas Edison headquartered his manufacturing company, a novel spanning multiple generations examines the lives of the inhabitants and scientists and the birth and evolution of the town.

A collection of essays that explores the humor of the Old Southwest, drawing on tales, almanac entries, turf reports, historical sketches, and profiles of local characters that reflect the humor of the region from 1830 to 1860.