A compilation of Huxley's essays on literature, philosophy, politics, and culture, showcasing his intellectual range and critical insight. The essays span a variety of topics and reflect his deep engagement with contemporary issues and timeless themes.

Contents

Preface

SECTION I

Nature

Wordsworth in the Tropics

The Olive Tree

The Desert

Travel

The Palio at Siena

Sabbioneta

Between Peshawar and Lahore

Jaipur

Atitlan

Sololà

Copan

In a Tunisian Oasis

Miracle in Lebanon

Love, Sex, and Physical Beauty

Beauty in 1920

Fashions in Love

Sermons in Cats

Appendix

SECTION II

Literature

Subject-Matter of Poetry

Tragedy and the Whole Truth

Vulgarity in Literature

D. H. Lawrence

Famagusta or Paphos

Painting

Breughel

Meditation on El Greco

Form and Spirit in Art

Variations on Goya

Landscape Painting as a Vision-Inducing Art

Music

Popular Music

Music at Night

Gesualdo: Variations on a Musical Theme

Matters of Taste and Style

Variations on a Baroque Tomb

Faith, Taste, and History

SECTION III

History

Maine de Biran: The Philosopher in History

Usually Destroyed

Politics

Words and Behavior

Decentralization and Self-Government

Politics and Religion

The Scientist’s Role

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

SECTION IV

Psychology

Madness, Badness, Sadness

A Case of Voluntary Ignorance

The Oddest Science

Rx for Sense and Psyche

The Doors of Perception

Drugs That Shape Men’s Minds

Way of Life

Holy Face

Pascal

Beliefs

Knowledge and Understanding

Chatto & Windus (UK)