Through the viewpoints of Raphael, his family, and their neighbor, this landmark novel explores the complex dynamics of a fractured family. It delves into their emotional struggles and deep connections, illustrating how love can mend wounds and forge resilience in the face of adversity. The narrative intricately weaves together personal experiences, highlighting the transformative power of relationships amidst hardship.
Fenton Johnson's exploration of faith delves into the journey of a skeptic seeking spiritual understanding. By immersing himself in both Western and Eastern monastic traditions, particularly at the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani and the San Francisco Zen Center, he discovers a deeper connection between Buddhism and Christianity. The book intertwines personal reflections with historical context and modern monastic insights, presenting a unique blueprint for a contemporary approach to faith and spirituality.
A profound meditation on accepting, and celebrating, one’s solitude. Whether seeking more time for solitude or suffering what seems a surfeit of it, readers will find the best of companions here. Fenton Johnson’s lyrical prose and searching sensibility explores what it means to choose to be solitary and celebrates the notion, common in his Roman Catholic childhood, that solitude is a legitimate and dignified calling. He delves into the lives and works of nearly a dozen iconic “solitaries” he considers his kindred spirits, from Thoreau at Walden Pond and Emily Dickinson in Amherst, to Bill Cunningham photographing the streets of New York; from Cézanne (married, but solitary nonetheless) painting Mont Sainte-Victoire over and over again, to the fiercely self-protective Zora Neale Hurston. Each character portrait is full of intense detail, the bright wakes they’ve left behind illuminating Fenton Johnson’s own journey from his childhood in the backwoods of Kentucky to his travels alone throughout the world and the people he has lost and found along the way. Combining memoir, social criticism, and devoted research, At the Center of All Beauty will resonate with solitaries and with anyone who might wish to carve out more space for solitude.
This book is a collection of essays by Fenton Johnson, a noted philosopher and social critic. Drawing on his deep understanding of history, politics, and philosophy, Johnson offers insightful and thought-provoking analyses of the key issues facing society in the early 20th century. This is a challenging and enlightening work that still resonates today, and is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of ideas.
Culturally significant, this reproduction preserves the integrity of the original artifact, including copyright references and library stamps. It serves as a vital piece of the knowledge base that shapes our civilization, reflecting the historical context in which it was created. The work aims to provide an authentic experience, allowing readers to engage with the original material and its scholarly importance.
The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, reflecting its historical significance. It may include imperfections typical of older texts, such as marks, notations, and flawed pages. The publisher emphasizes the cultural importance of the work and is dedicated to preserving and promoting literature by offering high-quality, affordable editions that remain true to the original.
Set in early 20th century Kentucky, the novel follows Alice, a young girl yearning for adventure while constrained by societal expectations. Her life changes when she meets John, a mysterious wanderer with a hidden past. Their deepening connection forces Alice to confront both her dreams and the harsh realities around her. The story delves into themes of love, identity, and the quest for belonging, all while reflecting the spirit of its time. This reprint preserves the essence of the original work, highlighting its cultural significance.
Set in the heartland of America, the novel explores a woman's emotional reawakening alongside her son's journey into adulthood. With a blend of heartfelt moments and sharp humor, it offers a poignant portrayal of their intertwined lives, capturing the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth.