Hippolyte Taine

Nietzche did not get tenure, it is said, due to the committee’s disinterest in The Birth of Tragedy, his tenure book; he never got another academic job. Now it appears that Taine failed the agrégation. From the Johns Hopkins Guide: Although he was clearly the outstanding student of his class, he failed his final examination … More Hippolyte Taine

In the archives

So as to find a piece of e-letterhead on which to write, I went into old files where I came upon a letter from five years ago. It is an amazing letter. It was a good student, of course, but I sound so professional, so authoritative. I remember I was not feeling like such a … More In the archives

The World House

One matter that would have been worth pursuing is how King, shortly before his own assassination, was echoing Malcolm in his speeches and writing, linking racism to economic subordination and calling for a Poor People’s Campaign and a guaranteed income, with the goal of initiating a “radical restructuring of American society.” King also linked black … More The World House

Laura

I’ve never been to the Creole plantation Laura, and really should go for research purposes if not for more reasons. I believe this will be my New Year’s resolution for 2012. Axé.