A writer and historian describes his journey from 1930s Hungary to the United States, intellectual life in New York City, and his settling in Philadelphia, examining, along the way, fascism, communism, democracy, anti-Semitism, and Christian realism

Review

In Confessions of an Original Sinner, Hungarian-born historian and writer John Lukacs describes the history of his convictions and beliefs. Born in 1924, Lukacs describes his journey from the Hungary of the 1930s and the ravages of Budapest in World War II to his discovery of America and forays into the intellectual life of New York City, and finally, his settling in Philadelphia. The "passing of the Modern Age" thematically unites Lukacs's nine chapters, which address many of the major currents of our period, including fascism, communism, democracy, anti-Semitism, and Christianity.

Written between 1983 and 1988, Confessions offers reflective, thought-provoking observations from a "man who knows that he is living during the end of an age." Like many immigrant intellectuals, Lukacs maintains a critical skepticism toward his adopted country and a distanced objectivity toward his homeland. As a result, his writings often illustrate the intersection--and frequent collision--of his humanistic European background with the American spirit of independence: "I could not believe that the future of Western civilization was California." Lukacs seamlessly weaves his complex thoughts into an entertaining, provocative narrative. For example, the chapter on "Dwelling" guides the reader from renovating a suburban home to the absurdity of urban sprawl, skepticism about the democratic process, involvement in local politics, the death of a loved one, and disillusion with a decaying social order. With reflections ranging from the individual ("All my life I have felt and recognized the presence of history within descriptive prose") to the universal ("One cannot be deeply bourgeois and deeply Christian at the same time"), Confessions of an Original Sinner challenges and delights at the same time, providing insight into the profound and frequently witty observations of one of our most perceptive thinkers. --Bertina Loeffler Sedlack

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Founded in 2002, World of Books is a leading online destination for buying and selling both preloved and new books, committed to making sustainable reading accessible to all. With a mission to help people read more and waste less, World of Books offers a huge range of affordable, high-quality books ? giving both new and preloved titles a second life. The company also operates World of Books ? Sell Your Books, an easy-to-use platform that allows customers to trade in unwanted books for cash, helping to keep books in circulation while promoting sustainability. As a Certified B Corp, World of Books is driven by a vision to become the world?s largest and most sustainable dedicated online bookstore. The company measures its success through the positive environmental impact it creates, the value it provides to customers, and its ability to operate profitably while supporting its sustainable mission

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

SBYB, Inc.
900 Knell Rd, Montgomery, IL, 60538, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 12 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 10.95

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.