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Start giftingThe Wise Men Know What Wicked Things Are Written on the Sky
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Learn moreIn a series of eleven essays, Kirk relates several issues to a common question: “Is the American Republic descending into decadence, or are the American people entering upon a renewal of belief and hope?” In doing so, he covers a wide range of subjects that beg answers and action, including “The American Mission,” “The Illusion of Human Rights,” “Prospects for American Education,” and “Can Virtue be Taught?” Kirk’s views are trenchant, well supported, and far from commonplace. For instance, he takes a dim view of today’s information age, but is not without hope: “It is not inevitable that the computer should supplant the poet.”
Russell Kirk (1918–1994), historian of ideas, critic, essayist, editor, and novelist, was the author of thirty-two books. Among them are The Roots of American Order, The Politics of Prudence, Enemies of the Permanent Things, and six works of fiction. He received twelve honorary doctorates from American universities and many awards, including the Presidential Citizens Medal.
Peter Kjenaas has worked as an actor at the California and Oregon Shakespeare festivals. He has also written several professionally produced plays and directed dozens of productions of classical and modern works for the stage. He enjoys directing, teaching, theatrical production, animation, writing, project development, and fundraising.