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Bible, Theology & Philosophy
Book Reviews
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Edward E. Ericson Jr.
Political Philosophy

“By way of an introduction to the Gulag Archipelago, readers would profit from reading Daniel J. Mahoney’s essay titled ‘Judging Communism and All Its Works’ in the Solzhenitsyn and American Culture collection.” - Acton

Discussion

Fri, 01/15/21

Looks like a must read for Solzhenitsyn fans. He is one of those authors that you can’t fully understand unless you know some Russian history. One of the bravest men of his day.

Fri, 01/15/21

I’d argue that it’s not just something that Solzhenitsyn fans ought to read, but really any thinking person. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen a defense of socialism and thought “haven’t these guys read any Solzhenitsyn?”

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.

Fri, 01/15/21

The parallels between Stalinist Soviet Union, China from late 40s to present, communist eastern Europe and some developing characteristics in the United States are staggering. But not completely unexpected. If someone believes that the world will see a literal 7 year Tribulation with an antichrist, then the political, social, religious, and economic mechanisms for that system must develop, be accepted, and be implemented before that kind of control can exist. Those who so loudly proclaim they are against fascism probably have not read any Solzhenitsyn, Sakharov, or others of that period. For my political science degree, I took 2 classes on communism. Current trends in the U.S. are indeed not to be ignored.

Wally Morris
Huntington, IN

Fri, 01/15/21

Years ago I began to read several of his shorter works - One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch, We Never Make Mistakes, etc. I think I ended up reading is complete works. I also spent some time learning from Fred Schwarz of the Christian Anti-Communism Crusade. I’d love to be able to discuss the issues with you. I’d have to do a lot of review.

Fri, 01/15/21
By far my favorite secular work. Absolutely masterful. I haven’t read We Never Mistakes but I’d like to. I recommended it before here but the Econtalk discussion of Solzhenitsyn and In the First Circle was a great listen.

Sat, 01/16/21

We Never Make Mistakes is classic political satire. I think most of his work is rather readily available.

Sat, 01/16/21

I listen to a lot of books on Audible but it wasn’t available so I bought it on paperback. Another I’d really like to get to is Cancer Ward.

Mon, 01/18/21

….lot of earthy things in Solzhenitsyn’s work, to be fair, but it’s powerful.

Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.