How William F. Buckley, Jr. created modern conservatism

Written in 1951, God and Man at Yale is a critical examination of Yale University's undergraduate education by William F. Buckley Jr., who had just graduated from the institution. The book argues that Yale's faculty were undermining the university's founding ethos of Christian humanism by promoting atheism, collectivism, and Keynesian economics. Buckley criticized specific courses and professors for their hostility to religion and individualism, suggesting that this was a betrayal of the values held by Yale's alumni. The book is considered a seminal work in the American conservative movement and had a significant impact on Buckley's career and public profile.

This biography by Sam Tanenhaus explores the multifaceted life of William F. Buckley Jr., from his founding of National Review to his roles as a syndicated columnist, TV debater, and bestselling novelist. It delves into his alliances with prominent figures like Joseph McCarthy and Ronald Reagan, as well as his secret exploits and later struggles within the conservative movement.

Published in 1962, 'Another Country' by James Baldwin is a profound exploration of love, identity, and societal walls. The novel is set predominantly in Greenwich Village, Harlem, and France and revolves around the lives of a group of intertwined characters. At the heart of the tale is Rufus Scott, a black jazz musician, whose tragic death sets off a chain of events that forces his friends to search for the meaning of his death and to understand their own identities. The novel employs a loose, episodic structure and is known for its frank portrayal of bisexuality, homosexuality, and interracial relationships, which were taboo subjects at the time of its release[2][3][4].

The Fire Next Time is a deeply personal and provocative document that consists of two letters. The first letter is to Baldwin's 14-year-old nephew, warning him about the harsh realities of being Black in America and advising him to affirm his own worth and dignity. The second letter is a broader critique of American society, particularly targeting the failure of the Christian church to provide moral leadership and the societal tendency to perpetuate racial myths. Baldwin argues that white Americans maintain these myths to avoid facing their own inadequacies and moral wrongdoings. He emphasizes the need for love and acceptance to overcome these barriers and warns of a violent reckoning if racial inequality is not addressed.