Reading, Writing, and Fighting (with Mark Helprin) 7/8/24

For many men, surviving the test of battle intensifies the joy of being alive. A provocative claim, perhaps, but to novelist Mark Helprin, simply a fact, and one that drives his new book about men who commit themselves fully both to service during wartime and to the women they love. Listen as Helprin tells EconTalk’s Russ Roberts how his service in the Israeli and American militaries, his decades of journalism and outdoor adventure, and his long career in defense and foreign policy enabled him to write The Oceans and the Stars, a lyrical and thrilling look at leadership in the crucible of war-and at sea. They also discuss Helprin’s writing routine and sources of inspiration, his analysis of Israel’s real-life war against Iran and its proxies, and his thoughts on the state of American culture today.
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[@joshfranklin9941]

Excellent episode, Russ!

[@stoobedo]

After hearing this episode I immediately ordered both the new Oceans and Stars as well as The Pacific and Other Stories. Both books are masterpieces. My one question with Oceans and Stars is why Mark Helprin went into such great technical detail on his fictional warship class, Athena. I spent a bit of time trying to find out if this was an actual class of US ships.

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

55:00 I disagree with what Mark Helprin said. Bro is being hypocritical here.
🌚🌝

[@cloudy2249]

Expand on your views please

[@Dennis_Barnes]

I said last week "I wish roberts would quit doing these. Glib, one-sided." At least this week it wasn't glib. However, this was his absolute worst episode touching on the Middle East. Bad, bad, bad, ....

[@joshfranklin9941]

Why, because you support Hamas?