Background
Lukacs, John Adalbert was born on January 31, 1924 in Budapest, Hungary. Son of Paul and Magdalena Maria Lukacs. came to the United States, 1946, naturalized, 1953.
( Democracy has changed substantially since the second Wo...)
Democracy has changed substantially since the second World War, evolving into a dangerous and possibly irreversible populism, says John Lukacs in this intensely interestingand troublingbook. The esteemed historian offers biting, timely, and controversial observations on the power of the media and the precarious state of American democracy today. "In taking up Tocqueville’s theme, democracy in America, our most perceptive and far-ranging historian corrects many misconceptions about the recent past and deals commandingly with this country’s zeal to implant our blend of freedoms abroad. He will arouse thought as he always does and stir the emotions more than usual."Jacques Barzun "Lukacs is indisputably one of the English language’s greatestand most idiosyncratichistorians. . . . This is a wonderful book to chew on. . . . For the intelligent and historically literate general reader, this may well be a great joy."Jonah Goldberg, National Review
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300116934/?tag=2022091-20
(Democracy has changed substantially since the second Worl...)
Democracy has changed substantially since the second World War, evolving into a dangerous and possibly irreversible populism, says John Lukacs in this intensely interesting--and troubling--book. The esteemed historian offers biting, timely, and controversial observations on the power of the media and the precarious state of American democracy today. "In taking up Tocqueville's theme, democracy in America, our most perceptive and far-ranging historian corrects many misconceptions about the recent past and deals commandingly with this country's zeal to implant our blend of freedoms abroad. He will arouse thought as he always does and stir the emotions more than usual."--Jacques Barzun "Lukacs is indisputably one of the English language's greatest--and most idiosyncratic--historians...This is a wonderful book to chew on...For the intelligent and historically literate general reader, this may well be a great joy."--Jonah Goldberg, National Review
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FAPH2Q0/?tag=2022091-20
( A man of impressive mental powers, of extraordinary int...)
A man of impressive mental powers, of extraordinary intellectual range, and—last but not least—of exceptional integrity, George Frost Kennan (1904-2005) was an adviser to presidents and secretaries of state, with a decisive role in the history of this country (and of the entire world) for a few crucial years in the 1940s, after which he was made to retire; but then he became a scholar who wrote seventeen books, scores of essays and articles, and a Pulitzer Prize–winning memoir. He also wrote remarkable public lectures and many thousands of incisive letters, laying down his pen only in the hundredth year of his life. Having risen within the American Foreign Service and been posted to various European capitals, and twice to Moscow, Kennan was called back to Washington in 1946, where he helped to inspire the Truman Doctrine and draft the Marshall Plan. Among other things, he wrote the “X” or “Containment” article for which he became, and still is, world famous (an article which he regarded as not very important and liable to misreading). John Lukacs describes the development and the essence of Kennan’s thinking; the—perhaps unavoidable—misinterpretations of his advocacies; his self-imposed task as a leading realist critic during the Cold War; and the importance of his work as a historian during the second half of his long life.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300143060/?tag=2022091-20
( One of the most important developments of Western civil...)
One of the most important developments of Western civilization has been the growth of historical consciousness. Consciously or not, history has become a form of thought applied to every facet of human experience; every field of human action can be studied, described, or understood through its history. In this extraordinary analysis of the meaning of the remembered past, John Lukacs discusses the evolution of historical consciousness since its first emergence about three centuries ago.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156000732X/?tag=2022091-20
( John Lukacs brings history to life in these unique trav...)
John Lukacs brings history to life in these unique travel essays that take readers on an erudite tour from World War II to the present, with particular emphasis on eastern Europe.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0826209564/?tag=2022091-20
( In 1945 the United States saw the Soviet Union as its p...)
In 1945 the United States saw the Soviet Union as its principal ally. By 1947, it saw the Soviet Union as its principal opponent. How did this happen? Historian John Lukacs has provided an answer to this question through an exchange of letters with George F. Kennan. Their correspondence deals with the antecedents of containment between 1944 and 1946, during most of which time Kennan was at the American embassy in Moscow. Kennan had strong opinions about America's appropriate role during and after World War II and is perhaps best known as the architect of America's containment policy. Much has been written about Kennan and containment, but relatively little is known about the events that made him compose and send the Long Telegram in 1946 that ultimately became the draft for foreign policy dealing with the Soviets in the following forty years. These letters show Kennan's fear of the extent to which the United States misunderstood the Soviet regime. Especially in 1944, at the time of the Russians' betrayal of the Warsaw Uprising, it became evident that the Soviets were interested in establishing their rigid domination of Eastern and Central Europe and dividing the continent. Kennan's letters to Lukacs are thorough and detailed, suggesting that the Truman administration was not in the least premature in opposing the Soviet Union. Indeed, both correspondents suggest that these decisions should have been made earlier. This series of letters will add greatly to our understanding of what preceded containment and the Cold War in 1947.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0826211089/?tag=2022091-20
( An unorthodox historian known and respected for his wor...)
An unorthodox historian known and respected for his work on the grand conflicts of nations and civilizations, John Lukacs has peopled a smaller canvas in this volume, with seven colorful figures who flourished in Philadelphia before 1950. Their stories are framed by chapters that describe the city in 1900 and in 1950. The Philadelphians selected are a political boss, Boies Penrose; a magazine mogul, Edward Bok; an elegant writer, Agnes Repplier; an impetuous diplomat, William C. Bullitt; a lawyer, George Wharton Pepper; a prophet of decline, Owen Wister; and a great art collector, Albert C. Barnes. The political boss was perhaps the most monumental political figure of his age. The magazine mogul was the most famous embodiment of the American success story during his lifetime. The now almost forgotten writer was the Jane Austen of the essay. The diplomat was the most brilliant of ambassadors. The terrible-tempered collector was a radical proponent of his unusual theory of art. Through these seven portraits, Lukacs paints a picture of Philadelphia that is “like all living things, having the power to change out of recognition and yet remain the same.” This work is a must read for all historians—and Philadelphians.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1412855977/?tag=2022091-20
("A series of brief essays that deftly and pungently disse...)
"A series of brief essays that deftly and pungently dissect the ills of contemporary society. . . Mr. Lukacs is especially adept at shattering idols and at demolishing shibboleths. There are occasional flashes of brilliant insights interspersed in the various essays. The ideas expounded by the author are provocative, challenging, and controversial." ~ Jules Davids - World Affairs
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061316733/?tag=2022091-20
(A view of Winston Churchill, the workings of his historic...)
A view of Winston Churchill, the workings of his historical imagination, and his successes and failures as a statesman. In previous works John Lukacs told the story of Churchill's titanic struggle with Adolf Hitler in the early days of World War II. In this text he turns his attention to Churchill the man and visionary statesman. Each chapter of the book provides a portrait of Churchill. Lukacs treats Churchill's vital relationships with Stalin, Roosevelt and Eisenhower, as well as his complex, farsighted political vision concerning the coming of World War II and the Cold War. Lukacs also assesses Churchill's abilities as a historian looking backward into the origins of the conflicts of which he was so much a part. In addition, the author examines the often contradictory ways Churchill has been perceived by critics and admirers alike. The last chapter is an evocation of the three days Lukacs spent in London attending Churchill's funeral in 1965.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008SLYTDM/?tag=2022091-20
(A study in history with particular emphasis on the develo...)
A study in history with particular emphasis on the development of a European consciousness. 1965 publication.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0837187028/?tag=2022091-20
(Twenty years ago, John Lukacs paused to set down the hist...)
Twenty years ago, John Lukacs paused to set down the history of his own thoughts and beliefs in "Confessions of an Original Sinner", an adroit blend of autobiography and personal philosophy. Now, in "Last Rites", he continues and expands his reflections, this time integrating his conception of history and human knowledge with private memories of his wives and loves, and enhancing the book with footnotes from his idiosyncratic diaries. The resulting volume is fascinating and delightful, a book of history by a passionate, authentic, brilliant, and witty man. Lukacs begins with a concise rendering of a historical understanding of our world (essential reading for any historian), then follows with trenchant observations on his life in the United States, commentary on his native Hungary and the new meanings it took for him after 1989, and deeply personal portraits of his three wives, about whom he has not written before.He includes also a chapter on his formative memories of May and June 1940 and of Winston Churchill, a subject in some of Lukacs' later studies. "Last Rites" is a richly layered summation combined with a set of extraordinary observations - an original book only John Lukacs could have written.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300114389/?tag=2022091-20
(This absorbing study of the first—and decisive—phase of W...)
This absorbing study of the first—and decisive—phase of World War II tells not only how events happened but why they happened as they did. Eminent historian John Lukacs presents an extraordinary narrative of these two years, followed by a detailed sequential analysis of the lives of the peoples and then of the political, military, and intellectual relations and events.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300089155/?tag=2022091-20
(PARTIAL list of keywords: amateurs of history anti-commun...)
PARTIAL list of keywords: amateurs of history anti-communism; bourgeois; cartesianism; determinism; dogmatism; doubletalk; doublethink; doublespeak; econometrics; eroticism; fatalism; Fideism; hermeneutical; historia magistra vitae; historical causality; historiography; humanism; idealism; Jewishness; mot juste; natio; Narod; neo-idealism; neo-positivism; etc, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006BRSJ4/?tag=2022091-20
( This brilliant new work by the author of the best-selli...)
This brilliant new work by the author of the best-selling Five Days in London, May 1940 is an unparalleled drama of two great leaders confronting each other in June 1941. It describes Hitler and Stalin’s strange, calculating, and miscalculating relationship before the German invasion of Soviet Russia, with its gigantic (and unintended) consequences. John Lukacs questions many long-held beliefs; he suggests, for example, that among other things Hitler’s first purpose involved England: if Stalin’s Communist Russia were to be defeated, Hitler’s Third Reich would be well-nigh invincible, and the British and American peoples would be forced to rethink the war against Hitler. The book offers penetrating insights and a new portrait of Hitler and Stalin, moved by their long-lasting inclinations. Yet among other things, Lukacs presents evidence that Hitler (rather than his generals) had moments of dark foreboding before the invasion. Stalin could not, because he wished not, believe that Hitler would choose the risk of a two-front war by attacking him; he was stunned and shocked and came close to a breakdown. But he recovered, grew into a statesman, and eventually became a prime victor of the Second World War. Such are the ironies of history; John Lukacs paints them with a shining narrative skill.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300123647/?tag=2022091-20
( On May 13, 1940, Winston Churchill stood before the Hou...)
On May 13, 1940, Winston Churchill stood before the House of Commons to deliver his first speech as Prime Minister. Europe was in crisis: Three days earlier, Germany had invaded France and the Low Countries. Facing only feeble resistance, Hitler’s armies were rapidly sweeping westward. Accused of mishandling the war, Neville Chamberlain’s government collapsed, and Churchill was chosen to succeed him. Churchill had little support within the new government when he rose to address it on May 13. I have never believed in him,” wrote one MP. Another described Churchill as a disaster.” In fact, Churchill lacked confidence, both in himself and in his ability to lead his nation to victory, for he recognized far earlier than most the military genius of Adolph Hitler, and the potency of the German military. I hope it is not too late,” Churchill had confided to his bodyguard on May 10. I am very much afraid that it is.” In Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat, the eminent historian and master storyteller John Lukacs recreates this pivotal moment in world history, and reveals Churchill as he has rarely been seen before: as a man both unsure of himself and deeply fearful of his nation’s defeat. Churchill made no promises to his country in his speech, because he knew he had none to make. And yet he rallied England onward in the face of a vicious enemy. For Churchill-and Churchill alone-understood what was at stake: the fate not only of nations, but of civilization itself.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0465002870/?tag=2022091-20
(On May 13, 1940, Winston Churchill stood before the House...)
On May 13, 1940, Winston Churchill stood before the House of Commons to deliver his first speech as Prime Minister. Europe was in crisis: Three days earlier, Germany had invaded France and the Low Countries. Facing only feeble resistance, Hitler's armies were rapidly sweeping westward. Accused of mishandling the war, Neville Chamberlain's government collapsed, and Churchill was chosen to succeed h...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EQCBOIU/?tag=2022091-20
Lukacs, John Adalbert was born on January 31, 1924 in Budapest, Hungary. Son of Paul and Magdalena Maria Lukacs. came to the United States, 1946, naturalized, 1953.
Doctor of Philosophy, Palatine Joseph University, Budapest, 1946. Federal doctorate (honorary).
Professor of history, Chestnut Hill College, 1947-1994; Chairman department history, Chestnut Hill College, 1947-1974; retired, Chestnut Hill College, 1994; visiting professor of history, La Salle College, 1949-1982; visiting professor of history, Columbia University, 1954-1955; visiting professor of history, U. Toulouse, France, 1964-1965; visiting professor of history, University of Pennsylvania, 1964, 67, 68; visiting professor of history, Johns Hopkins University, 1970-1971; visiting professor of history, Fletcher School Law, Diplomacy, 1971-1972; visiting professor of history, Princeton University, 1988; visiting professor, U. Budapest, 1991; visiting professor, University of Pennsylvania, 1995-1997.
( A man of impressive mental powers, of extraordinary int...)
(PARTIAL list of keywords: amateurs of history anti-commun...)
( An unorthodox historian known and respected for his wor...)
(In a critical analysis of twentieth-century history, a di...)
( This is a day-by-day account of the eighty-day struggle...)
(Democracy has changed substantially since the second Worl...)
( Democracy has changed substantially since the second Wo...)
(Twenty years ago, John Lukacs paused to set down the hist...)
( John Lukacs brings history to life in these unique trav...)
( This brilliant new work by the author of the best-selli...)
(This absorbing study of the first—and decisive—phase of W...)
( "Lukacs's book is a lyrical, sometimes dazzling, never ...)
(A view of Winston Churchill, the workings of his historic...)
( On May 13, 1940, Winston Churchill stood before the Hou...)
(On May 13, 1940, Winston Churchill stood before the House...)
( One of the most important developments of Western civil...)
("A series of brief essays that deftly and pungently disse...)
(A study in history with particular emphasis on the develo...)
( In 1945 the United States saw the Soviet Union as its p...)
( In 1945 the United States saw the Soviet Union as its p...)
(History: Philadelphia, Patricians, and Philistines, 1900-...)
(Will be shipped from US. Used books may not include compa...)
(two tone hardcover)
(251pages. 21x14x3cm. Relié.)
(softcover)
Former chairman Schuylkill Township (Pennsylvania) Planning Commission. Fellow Society of America Historians. Member American Catholic History Association (president 1977), Royal History Society, American Philosophical Society.
Married Helen Schofield, May 29, 1953 (deceased 1970). Children: Paul, Annemarie. Married Stephanie Harvey, May 18, 1974 (deceased 2003).
Married Pamela Grant Hall, April 30, 2005.