The Tragic Conservatism of Ernest Hemingway

The eleven essays in this collection were written over the years 2010-2015. Most of the essays are literary in nature. These touch on the works of Ernest Hemingway—his tragic conservatism—of Lionel Trilling, mentor to a generation of teachers of literature, and of Henry Miller. In the case of Miller, the essay is as much a critique of his social and spiritual values as literary. The essay on “The Age of the Grand Hotel” is a historical and social analysis of the part such hotels have played in the growth—and decline—of upper class society. Finally some of these essays touch on movie criticism.

Sam Bluefarb is a World War II veteran and Professor Emeritus of English. He served on the faculty of the English Department of Los Angeles Harbor College for some 22 years. He was also a part-time adjunct instructor at UCLA Extension, Chapman University (Palm Desert campus), College of the Desert, and Mt. San Jacinto College. Until some years ago when mobility became limited, Bluefarb was a serious amateur photographer. With the exception of his years in the service, he has lived most of his life in Southern California.