Dan Hofstadter, The Love Affair as a Work of Art. I think I saw a book review he did and I liked his writing. When I got a sample of his book, I was intrigued because he starts with Benjamin Constant, although it turns out that Constant’s ideas are not discussed. Not sure I’ll finish it, even though he writes well. I don’t care so much about the people that he profiles.
The book is a chronicle of famous French love affairs of the early 1800s, in which introspection, infatuation, and letter-writing feature prominently. These French romantics approach relationships in a way that may seem foolish and self-absorbed, but gosh. . .compared with what we see now. . .how can we dare to criticize?
I’d much rather read about the affairs (or any other ‘romantic’ relationship) themselves as artwork; with elements of craftsmanship, intention, expression, audience, etc; than the more conventional ‘art and literature’ that were developed based on them.
I wonder if anyone imagines business relationships as artworks? That would be Duchamp-level…
I enjoy seeing some posts like this. Yes, I follow you for your economic analysis, but I appreciate you also sharing what piques (or fails to pique) your general interest. Although I have nothing to profound to say, I thought it worth mentioning for encouragement :-). Thanks!
Seconded.
[I read Adolphe a long time ago. I was unaware until I read this post that Constant was known for political philosophy too.]