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Book Reviews: Political Theory
Readers interested in the character of American conservatism and in the debates over the role of Leo Strauss and his students in the conservative movement will want to read this book. Paul Gottfried here adds another chapter to his previously published analyses of conservatism in America, characteristically situating the analysis in the larger context of modern intellectual history.
The book has two broad concerns. Gottfried's first aim is to understand Strauss's thought by engaging his writings comprehensively, and by reviewing the expanding range of commentaries on Strauss and the "Straussians." Gottfried has substantial disagreements with Strauss, but he shows understanding of the arguments he opposes. He invites a dialogue with Strauss's advocates, whom he thinks should be more willing to engage and, without pulling his punches, avoids strident attacks on Strauss which do not advance careful thinking. Gottfried has strong opinions but he is also a careful scholar.
His second aim is to criticize from the perspective of the old right, from the angle of that traditional conservatism which distinguishes itself from libertarians and neoconservatives. Gottfried regrets that this perspective is neglected in contemporary debates. He sees that it is marginal given the prevailing character of American politics, but he also thinks that its proponents have important things to say; they deserve a hearing among those who pursue serious thought in detachment from the felt urgencies of the politics of the moment. He says, "I myself am sympathetic to the outcast group in question and shall admit to having a professional interest in their critical assessments" (p. 72). Thus the book is both about Strauss and about contemporary American conservatism. Gottfried connects them in his strong critique of Neoconservatism; in...