Quick Take

In this award-winning collection, the bestselling author of Gilead offers us other ways of thinking about history, religion, and society. Whether rescuing "Calvinism" and its creator Jean Cauvin from the repressive "puritan" stereotype, or considering how the McGuffey readers were inspired by Midwestern abolitionists, or the divide between the Bible and Darwinism, Marilynne Robinson repeatedly sends her reader back to the primary texts that are central to the development of American culture but little read or acknowledged today.A passionate and provocative celebration of ideas, the old arts of civilization, and life's mystery, The Death of Adam is, in the words of Robert D. Richardson, Jr., "a grand, sweeping, blazing, brilliant, life-changing book."

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought

Introduction

"The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought" by Marilynne Robinson is a collection of essays that delves into the history, religion, and society of America. In this book, Robinson challenges the common assumptions and biases of modern thought and offers a fresh perspective on the past, present, and future. With her flawless prose and her ability to engage with primary texts, Robinson invites readers to reconsider their understanding of history and the world.

About Marilynne Robinson

Marilynne Robinson is an American novelist and essayist known for her exploration of themes such as rural life, faith, and the relationship between religion and science. She has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Humanities Medal. Robinson began teaching at the Iowa Writers' Workshop in 1991 and has made significant contributions to American literature.

Analysis of Views

Challenging Assumptions: Readers appreciate Robinson's willingness to challenge common assumptions and biases in modern thought. They find her approach refreshing and appreciate her commitment to engaging with primary texts.
Engaging with History: Many readers are drawn to Robinson's exploration of history, particularly her examination of Calvinism and its creator, Jean Cauvin. They appreciate her ability to delve into the primary sources and provide a nuanced understanding of these topics.
Thought-Provoking Language: Robinson's use of language is often praised for its poetic beauty and ability to convey complex ideas. Readers find her writing style engaging and enjoy the way she expresses deep thoughts and emotions.
Critique of Modern Culture: Some readers appreciate Robinson's critique of modern culture, particularly her examination of the loss of the humanities, the rule of economics, and the environmental crisis. They find her insights thought-provoking and relevant to contemporary issues.
Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Readers appreciate Robinson's willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and offer alternative perspectives on historical figures and events. They find her arguments well-reasoned and her scholarship rigorous.

Reasons for Recommendation

Fresh Perspective: Readers recommend "The Death of Adam" for its fresh perspective on history, religion, and society. They appreciate Robinson's ability to challenge common assumptions and offer new insights into familiar topics.
Engaging Writing Style: The book's engaging writing style is a major reason for recommendation. Readers find Robinson's prose poetic and enjoyable to read, even when delving into complex topics.
Thought-Provoking Content: The thought-provoking content of the book is another reason for recommendation. Readers find themselves pondering the ideas presented by Robinson and appreciate the way she challenges their preconceived notions.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Demanding Writing Style: Some readers find Robinson's writing style demanding, particularly in terms of the depth of knowledge required to fully understand her arguments. They may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the material or struggle to keep up with her dense prose.
Lack of Conclusion: Some readers feel that Robinson's essays lack a clear conclusion or overarching thesis. They may find themselves unsure about the author's ultimate message or purpose, which can make it difficult to fully engage with the material.

Conclusion

"The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought" by Marilynne Robinson is a thought-provoking collection of essays that challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of history, religion, and society. With her engaging writing style and ability to delve into primary texts, Robinson offers a fresh perspective on familiar topics and invites readers to explore new ideas. While some readers may find her writing style demanding or lacking a clear conclusion, overall, "The Death of Adam" is recommended for those seeking a challenging read that encourages critical thinking and engagement with complex ideas.