Darwin, Charles & Lincoln, Abraham Subjects & Gopnik, Adam Author (1 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. 1st Printing. Signed. 211 pages. Published in 2009. The author's book-length account on subjects. One of the finest literary and intellectual achievements of our time. The best book published to celebrate the Bi-Centennial of both Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln. The First Hardcover Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only that sold out shortly after publication. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents Adam Gopnik's "Angels And Ages: A Short Book About Darwin, Lincoln, And Modern Life". His riveting and insightful collection of linked essays, on two great, still-controversial, and still-relevant figures, who were born on the same day, February 12, 1809. "In the year of Darwin's and Lincoln's Bi-Centennial, Gopnik finds parallels of cultural impact between the men, born on the same day in 1809, seeing them as twin exemplars of modernity. Gopnik notes that it is not what they have in common with each other that matters. It is what they have in common with us. And that commonality lies in the modern way of speaking (plain English) and thinking (scientific and liberal). Gopnik underscores the importance of eloquence in spreading new ideas, and his notion that Lincoln and Darwin exemplify the modern predicament, that human beings must live in the space between what we know and what we feel, is resonant" (Publishers Weekly). "Forever links them, emphasizes the importance of two great men, and re-evaluates the role of 19th-century thinking in the modern world. Gopnik's essays have given him a well-deserved reputation as an astute observer and chronicler of modern life, and critics generally view Gopnik's effort as an admirable attempt to breathe new life into dogmatic ideas" (Bookmarks Magazine). The criticism leveled against Gopnik's account is that the connection between Lincoln and Darwin is tenuous at best, and that his effort to make one is a stretch. We need to respond to the stupidity of such criticism as plainly as possible: There is NO obvious connection whatsoever between Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln. Gopnik's achievement is precisely to find and make the connection where none previously existed, enabling us to see two men (who never met) in a whole new light. Forget the solemn and ponderous 500-page books on Darwin and Lincoln that have been published, tedious "scholarship" that goes over the same ground previous books have already trod. Adam Gopnik's nimble book is all you need to see these two towering modern figures again with insight, that rare ability to intuit deeper connections and relevance. An absolute "must-have" title for Adam Gopnik, Charles Darwin, and Abraham Lincoln collectors. This copy is very prominently and beautifully signed, dated (in the year of publication), and inscribed in black ink-pen on the title page by the author: "For Chris, Adam Gopnik 2009". The recipient, who is named, obtained the signature in person. This title is a contemporary classic. This is one of very few such signed, publication-year dated, and inscribed copies of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing still available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright. A rare signed copy thus. One of the most brilliant writers of our time. A fine copy. (SEE ALSO OTHER ADAM GOPNIK TITLES IN OUR CATALOG) ISBN 0307270785. Signed by Author.