The eudæmonist discusses a book that was important to me when I was painfully learning to think for myself (something not easy to do in the coils of the educational system), Ezra Pound’s Guide to Kulchur
Reading Pound’s Guide to Kulcher, I was perplexed; partially because it is an odd book, aimed at those who don’t mind attending the university of the brain of Ezra Pound (which is a strange place, of many prejudices). Mostly, though, I just wasn’t (and ain’t) sure what to make of it, how to reconcile those parts I can (reservedly) agree with and those which strike me as outcroppings of the fashion of the times or mere idiosyncrasies. It jumps here and there, following a logic which I don’t quite see (and am too lazy to look for), and digresses on subjects with a force not quite necessary to the task of guide – as though Virgil cracked wise at every opportunity, and made opportunities to do so where none were before.
When I can agree with him, though, I find that generally agree pretty whole-heartedly….
Interesting commentary follows. Those whom Ez inspires, he inspires well.
Pound was a mad, disagreeable old man with an occasional brilliant idea. I gave up on GtK, but do I recommend his –ABC of Reading– to students.
I was amused to read somewhere that he was reluctant to leave St. Elizabeths because he had scheduled extensive dental work and wanted to have it done on Uncle Sam’s tab.
There’s a fine picture of him on his arrival back in Italy giving the attendant paparazzi a snappy fascist salute.