Stanley Crouch Pořadí knih

Stanley Crouch, a prominent figure in American literature, was renowned for his bold writing style and insightful critiques, particularly in jazz. Born in Los Angeles in 1945, he engaged readers with his passionate and sometimes controversial views on race, politics, literature, and music. His larger-than-life personality and intellectual curiosity made him a beloved yet polarizing critic, leaving a significant impact on literary and cultural discourse following his death in 2020.

Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker is the first installment in the long-awaited portrait of one of the most talented and influential musicians of the twentieth century, from Stanley Crouch, one of the foremost authorities on jazz and culture in America. Throughout his life, Charlie Parker personified the tortured American artist: a revolutionary performer who used his alto saxophone to create a new music known as bebop even as he wrestled with a drug addiction that would lead to his death at the age of thirty-four. Drawing on interviews with peers, collaborators, and family members, Kansas City Lightning recreates Parker’s Depression-era childhood; his early days navigating the Kansas City nightlife, inspired by lions like Lester Young and Count Basie; and on to New York, where he began to transcend the music he had mastered. Crouch reveals an ambitious young man torn between music and drugs, between his domineering mother and his impressionable young wife, whose teenage romance with Charlie lies at the bittersweet heart of this story. With the wisdom of a jazz scholar, the cultural insights of an acclaimed social critic, and the narrative skill of a literary novelist, Stanley Crouch illuminates this American master as never before.

Set against the backdrop of America’s complex social landscape, the novel explores the passionate yet tumultuous relationship between Carla, a blonde jazz singer, and Maxwell, a black tenor saxophonist. Their intense five-year love affair faces external pressures from both racial and cultural expectations, challenging their commitment to one another. As Carla fights to preserve their bond, her past intertwines with the present, revealing a diverse cast of characters and unpredictable situations that illuminate the struggles of love across societal boundaries.

Stanley Crouch delivers a provocative exploration of American culture, addressing subjects ranging from the American South to significant events like the death of Tupac Shakur and the O.J. Simpson verdict. His commentary is marked by a commitment to truth, often confronting painful realities. Crouch's deep passion and extensive knowledge of jazz, covering legends such as Sidney Bechet, Duke Ellington, and Miles Davis, further enrich his insights, making him a unique voice in cultural and political discourse.

This collection of essays showcases Stanley Crouch's sharp and insightful commentary on race and culture in America. Known for his eloquence and unpredictability, Crouch tackles complex societal issues with a unique perspective. His work has garnered recognition as a New York Times Notable Book, reflecting his influence and prominence in national media. Through his essays, readers can expect a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary cultural dynamics.

Hlavní hrdina románu z pera nositele Nobelovy ceny je noblesní starší muž židovského původu, který víceméně omylem uvízl na počátku války v rodném Polsku a prožil Holocaust. Po válce využívá nabídky příbuzných a společně s dcerou odjíždí do New Yorku. Rodina, jež ho sem pozvala, mu poskytuje slušnou, leč skromnou apanáž, aby zde mohl v klidu dožít, a pan Sammler má čas a příležitost nejen rekapitulovat, ale především porovnávat dva odlišné světy, které měl možnost poznat – předválečnou Evropu a její postupný rozpad a moderní Ameriku 60. let, které příliš nerozumí, ale přesto se pokouší ji dešifrovat…