English Soliloquy

Author: Santayana
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: Cultural Life Translation Series. A Eulogy for England is essentially a product of Santayana's time in England. This book is divided into two parts. The first part was written between 1914 and 1918, and the second part (i.e., Continuation) was composed between 1918 and 1921. The entire book was published in 1922. Santayana freely wrote about all aspects of British climate, architecture, literature, religion, philosophy, and customs. He attempted to capture the fundamental characteristics of the "British character" with a blend of realism and imagination. Apart from being somewhat critical of the liberal ideology, Santayana generally had a tendency to praise Britain excessively. He did not hesitate to point out the shortcomings of the British but often subtly defended them, embedding praise within criticism. For example, the topic of "snobbery" ultimately led to a critique of Nietzsche's philosophy.