Abstract

This is the first study of the scholarly legacy of the late Richard McKeon, written by a lifelong friend and former student. The author is very familiar with McKeon's written and oral teachings and refers often to his "extraordinary classroom sessions". He devotes only one chapter to the little he came to know of his teacher's personal life but predicts many future biographies from those who have retained McKeon's letters. The good news announced in this book is the "planned republication of all McKeon's papers which first appeared in print in what are so often referred to as 'obscure journals'". In this early presentation of the genius of his former teacher Plochmann does not attempt to give equal consideration to all the writings, of which those on politics make up the greater part. He simply aims to introduce the public to a professor whose teaching career spanned five decades and whose influence extended far beyond the Academy.