Egoists : A Book of Supermen (Illustrated Edition)

By James Huneker

Egoists : A Book of Supermen (Illustrated Edition) - James Huneker
  • Release Date: 2026-05-09
  • Genre: Essays

Description

Egoists: A Book of Supermen is a bold and brilliant exploration of literary genius, psychological individuality, and philosophical rebellion by acclaimed critic James Huneker. Through vivid essays on Stendhal, Baudelaire, Flaubert, Nietzsche, Blake, Ibsen, Stirner, Huysmans, and others, Huneker constructs a powerful portrait of the modern intellectual as an “egoist”—a creator who defies convention and shapes personal truth through art, thought, and imagination. Written during the turbulent fin-de-siècle period, this work captures the rise of modernism, symbolism, decadence, and existential inquiry. Each chapter presents not only literary criticism but also psychological insight into the nature of genius and individuality. Huneker’s prose is rich, expressive, and deeply interpretive, blending criticism with philosophy and cultural reflection. The result is one of the most distinctive works of early modern literary analysis. This illustrated edition restores Huneker’s visionary criticism for contemporary readers interested in philosophy, literature, and the evolution of modern thought.