Honoring the Legacy of Cormac McCarthy

Stacey Peebles, Professor of English and Humanities at Centre College, explores the significance of the recently departed Cormac McCarthy. The man saw deep into the pain of this world, but also into its vast wonderful mystery. Admirers who for so long had called him “our greatest living writer” will now have to sit back and allow his legend to cut its own way. For decades we will argue his place among the literary masters. In this reflective moment of grief, Dr. Peebles examines the broad scope of McCarthy’s extraordinary career and revisits the characters and stories that made the writer famous. The loss of Cormac McCarthy leaves a gaping hole in the world of ideas and literature, but the jagged beauty of his work will ever keep our hearts alert. A Q&A follows.
The discussion is organized by Books & Bridges - a community institute of ideas and conversation. Our mission is to facilitate discussion on the best of human thought. We explore the wisdoms of the world and apply them to modern life. We have no political, religious or ideological affiliation. In a society divided by uncivil discourse, the beauty of the humanities-novels, history, philosophy, poetry, ethics and epics-lifts us to our better angels.

[@34ehemingway]

I could listen to Stacey Peeples talk for hours, and I absolutely respect her analysis on Child of God. "A perfect little jewel of a novel." My sentiments exactly. I thank you both. He will be missed.

[@booksbridges9921]

Thank you Hemingway, Stacey is a consummate professional and a deep analyst of McCarthy's vision. I hope Child of God receives a deeper and wider reading in the wake its author's death.

[@barbarajohnson1442]

Wonderful questions, and hour of trawling through these great works with the two of you and the audience. I am delighted to find your channel here. Thank you!

[@booksbridges9921]

Thanks Barbara, your response means a lot. We appreciate your interest and participation. This discussion really provides a springboard for a deeper exploration of the worlds of Cormac McCarthy

[@slave_to_cinema]

Really nice conversation. Cormacs passing also hit me in the gut even though it wasnt totally unexpected. I like the mention of Sam Peckinpah early in the interview. Im a fan of both Peckinpah and McCarthy and even though they might not have any direct connections (maybe?) who knows if they ever spoke but i think you can find many similarities between the two mediums. Almost like dueling symphonies. And not just because of the violence found in both artists' work- that is only surface level, both were trying to teach through the violence and madness of humanity. The Wild Bunch is incredibly violent and "bloody" but the film is not about the violence. Its about an ageing or dying of the old ways and yearning to stop and achieving something greater but ultimately failing because of the inner struggle to change. Perhaps lol.

[@booksbridges9921]

Thanks so much for making this insightful comment. Even though it has been nearly one year since the Great has passed, his loss still stings. It would have been nice to seem him complete any unfinished writing, such as the screenplay for Blood Meridian. That film, let's hope it comes to fruition, will surely be Peckinpahesque.

[@bluegregory6239]

RIP Mr. Cormac McCarthy, the greatest writer in American history. 'Blood Meridian' is far better than ''The Road'. So are 'Suttree' and 'No Country ' as well.
Blood Meridian is a face-smashing and harsh literary masterpiece unequalled in history!

[@booksbridges9921]

Thank you BG, yes. Blood Meridian is worth a discussion all itself, a library and world of discussions.

[@johnalbert5786]

Enjoyed this video.
Hope you continue output.

[@booksbridges9921]

Your comment is much appreciated, John. Another video, this time on Russian literature, is on the way in the coming weeks.