ABSENCE OF MIND: THE DISPELLING OF INWARDNESS FROM THE MODERN MYTH OF THE SELF (THE TERRY LECTURES SERIES)

New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2010. First Edition. First Printing.. Hardcover. Fine/Fine Dust Jacket.. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2010. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. First Edition/First Printing. 158 pages. Book-length account on subject. One of Marilynne Robinson's finest achievements. The First Hardcover Edition. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions, particularly the Softcover Edition. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only by a University Press. The First Edition is now scarce. Presents Marilynne Robinson's "When I Was A Child I Read Books: The Dispelling of Inwardness From The Modern Myth of The Self". Her Marcellian, compelling, and passionate defense of the inner life, that is spiritual reality, against scientism. "Applies her astute intellect to some of the most vexing topics in the history of human thought: Science, religion, and consciousness. Crafted with the same care and insight as her award-winning novels, 'Absence of Mind' challenges postmodern atheists who crusade against religion under the banner of science. In Robinson's view, scientific reasoning does not denote a sense of logical infallibility, as thinkers like Richard Dawkins might suggest. Instead, in its purest form, science represents a search for answers. It engages the problem of knowledge, an aspect of the mystery of consciousness, rather than providing a simple and final model of reality. By defending the importance of individual reflection, Robinson celebrates the power and variety of human consciousness in the tradition of William James. She explores the nature of subjectivity and considers the culture in which Sigmund Freud was situated and its influence on his model of self and civilization. Through keen interpretations of language, emotion, science, and poetry, 'Absence of Mind' restores human consciousness to its central place in the religion-science debate" (Publisher's blurb). An absolute "must-have" title for Marilynne Robinson collectors. This title is a contemporary classic. This is one of few copies of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing still available online and is in especially fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright. Please note: Copies available online have serious flaws, are subsequent printings, or are remainder-marked. This is surely an accessible and lovely alternative. A scarce copy thus. Winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award in 1981 for "Housekeeping". Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2004 and the Pulitzer Prize in 2005 for "Gilead". "Housekeeping" was selected by The New York Times panel of writers, critics, and editors as one of the Top 20 works of American fiction of the last 25 years. One of the greatest writers of our time. A fine copy. (SEE ALSO OTHER MARILYNNE ROBINSON TITLES IN OUR CATALOG). ISBN 0300145187.