Interpretation and Social Criticism

“[Interpretation and Social Criticism] is learned, cogent, and provocative. It avoids the pretensions of both scientific certainty and grand theory and treats social criticism as the ‘educated cousin of common complaint.’ It also succeeds brilliantly in making an ancient religion relevant to the contemporary political imagination, which perhaps confirms Santayana’s point that the prophet is he who draws truth from fable.”—John Patrick Diggins, The New York Times Book Review

“Interpretation and Social Criticism is clearly written and extremely relevant to contemporary debates, both in Europe and North America, on criticism, theory, and the role of intellectuals in the formation of social movements and the making of social change.”—Harvey J. Kay, Socialism and Democracy

“A rich and lyrical reflection on the practice of social criticism and interpretation, and on the formation of moral standards, by one of our finest social thinkers… Every culture, Walzer says, if it is to thrive, must listen to the voices of its own prophets. Wonderfully clear, and informed by a deep commitment to democratic values.”—Choice