Issue 31

The Summer edition, like every issue, provides a varied mix of perspectives on different expressions of conservatism around the world. In a particular way, several contributions in this issue explore the theme of Reading and the Intellectual Life. 

The issue begins with an editorial statement entitled “Before the Dust Settles,” which considers the long-term prospects for conservatism after the recent European elections. This is followed by four features. The first is “The Vineyard of Love” by Mark Dooley, which serves as an introduction for the second, an “Excerpt from The Philosopher on Dover Beach,” the best-known work on the late Roger Scruton’s thought, which has just been re-released by Bloomsbury. Next, Dieter Stein writes “German Patriots Against Hitler,” an inspiring story of an attempt by German conservatives to assassinate the Führer. Then, Andrew Doran considers “Falstaff Contra Bellum: What Shakespeare’s Fool Got Right.” 

There are two interviews in the summer issue. First, Álvaro Peñas and José Papparelli talk with Italian general, controversial author, and newly-elected member of the European Parliament Roberto Vannacci. In their conversation, they consider the damage political correctness is doing to our civilization and our hope for the future. Then, Felix James Miller interviews the poet Marcela Duque, discussing the nature and importance of poetry. 

Our essays begin with the iconoclastic and meticulously-researched “Edmund Burke and Revolution,” by former Margaret Thatcher advisor Robin Harris. Ojel Rodriguez-Burgos examines an under-studied movement in “The Mind of the LSE Right.” We then have two essays about fiction, the first “Goethe, Dante, and Literature” by Robert Lazu Kmita, and the second is “Extraordinary Voyager: Jules Verne” by Alberto M. Fernandez. Itxu Díaz then brings “H.L. Mencken’s Message for Today.” Jonathon Van Maren examines “The Conservatism of Beatrix Potter,” showing how the beloved author’s life and work have contributed to the cause of civilizational preservation. Finally, in “Scrooge McDuck and American Myth,” Erik Z.D. Ellis makes clear how Carl Barks’ comics, read for decades by millions around the globe, help reinforce capitalist notions of individualism and hard work.

As with every issue, The European Conservative draws readers attention to works that can help us to understand our civilization and live in ways that defend it. Reviews begin with “The Conservative Bookshelf,” where several contributors highlight books that are of interest to readers and might otherwise be missed. This is followed by David Martin Jones’ take on Stefan Auer’s European Disunion and Jorge González-Gallarza’s consideration of Up from Conservatism by Arthur Milikh. Then S.P. Cooper reviews Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds, a new collection of poetry by the luminary James Matthew Wilson. And in Alberto M. Fernandez’s review of Cole Bunzel’s Wahhabism, the author provides illuminating discussion of Islamic history and theology.

In The Good Life, Sebastian Morello discusses Cloudy Bay’s Pinot Noir 2020/21. Then, in a new column entitled “The New Jerusalem,” David Engels considers Napoleon’s Veterans. The issue closes with Anthony Daniels’ plea to consider “The End of Reading.”

As is true for every edition, all of the contributions were curated or commissioned by Alvino-Mario Fantini, editor-in-chief. The writers have diverse professional and intellectual backgrounds from politics and philosophy to the arts and popular culture.