The Best of "The Public Square": Book Two

by Richard John Neuhaus

Book Overview

Since its inception in 1990, the journal First Things has concluded each issue with Richard John Neuhaus's "The Public Square." His column has attracted the attention of America's most influential... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802849954
• ISBN13: 9780802849953
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Selections Generally Biased

Father John's recent passing ought be a signal for someone to write a better book. Not that this one is poorly written but every selection of anyone's writings betrays the bias of the selector. I would have chosen other pieces. Before First Things, Father John had other interests. I think I first encountered him(and that is what happens when you read Father John-it is an encounter)he was the protestant religion editor of National Review-a magazine decidely Roman Catholic in outlook whether or not it was funded by the CIA. Yet, there was no fuss about this that I can recall. His engaging style brings a reader along on any number of subjects. I imagine that he could be disagreeable but it seems to me that he was always waiting for the light to come on, he having already thrown the switch. In debate, then, he was impatient having set down his side of things in masterful manner, having led another mind (he thought)and having thrown the switch his view was that assent was then reasonable and he cheerfully awaited it. If one is not that familiar with Father John this is as good as anything to remedy that lack and perhaps the bias will fit another reader to suit.