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From Wodehouse To Wittgenstein

Anthony Quinton

Cover Picture of From Wodehouse To Wittgenstein
Imprint: Lives and Letters
Publisher: Carcanet Press
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  • Anthony Quinton's first substantial collection of writings for many years, From Wodehouse to Wittgenstein, addresses -- in a series of lectures, essays and reviews -- some of the central political, philosophical and religious issues of our day.

    The book is divided in four sections. The first considers large political and social questions, culminating in the question of modern ethics. The second applies ideas to specific social and educational concerns, including 'The Idea of a University: Newman's and Others', and 'The Idea of a National Library'. The third part takes a historical and thematic line to consider Imperialism, property, madness and homosexuality from the perspectives previously established. The final section, which begins with his essay on 'The Inner Life', considers the claims of the imagination and the limits of subjectivity in the arts and the lives of artists and philosophers. It is here that we get the wry juxtaposition of Wodehouse and Wittgenstein.

    Anthony Quinton's style is witty, yet never less than wholly serious and engaged. He sets out the most knotty paradoxes with great clarity and then, precisely and succinctly, resolves them. It is the thrift and elegance of his writing that are exemplary: one of his essays can contain as much as another writer's book, except that his essay will be briefer and more pleasurable to read.
    Widely known for his contribution to popular radio programmes including 'Round Britain Quiz', Anthony Quinton is an accessible and illuminating philosopher. Created Baron Quinton of Holywell in 1982, he was Chairman of the Board of the British Library from 1985-1990, President of Trinity College, Oxford (1978-1987), having been a Fellow of ... read more
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