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William James : Writings 1902-1910 : The Varieties of Religious Experience / Pragmatism / A Pluralistic Universe / The Meaning of Truth / Some Problems of Philosophy / Essays (Library of America) Hardcover – February 1, 1988

by William James (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 132 ratings
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Philosopher and psychologist William James was the best known and most influential American thinker of his time. The five books and nineteen essays collected in this Library of America volume represent all his major work from 1902 until his death in 1910. Most were originally written as lectures addressed to general audiences as well as philosophers and were received with great enthusiasm. His writing is clear, energetic, and unpretentious, and is marked by the devotion to literary excellence he shared with his brother, Henry James. In these works William James champions the value of individual experience with an eloquence and enthusiasm that has placed him alongside Emerson and Whitman as a classic exponent of American democratic culture.

In The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902) James explores “the very inner citadel of human life” by focusing on intensely religious individuals of different cultures and eras. With insight, compassion, and open-mindedness, he examines and assesses their beliefs, seeking to measure religion’s value by its contributions to individual human lives.

In Pragmatism (1907) James suggests that the conflicting metaphysical positions of “tender-minded” rationalism and “tough-minded” empiricism be judged by examining their actual consequences. Philosophy, James argues, should free itself from unexamined principles and closed systems and confront reality with complete openness.

In A Pluralistic Universe (1909) James rejects the concept of the absolute and calls on philosophers to respond to “the real concrete sensible flux of life.” Through his discussion of Kant, Hegel, Henri Bergson, and religion, James explores a universe viewed not as an abstract “block” but as a rich “manyness-in-oneness,” full of independent yet connected events.

The Meaning of Truth (1909) is a polemical collection of essays asserting that ideas are made true not by inherent qualities but by events. James delights in intellectual combat, stating his positions with vigor while remaining open to opposing ideas.

Some Problems of Philosophy (1910) was intended by James to serve both as a historical overview of metaphysics and as a systematic statement of his philosophical beliefs. Though unfinished at his death, it fully demonstrates the psychological insight and literary vividness James brought to philosophy.

Among the essays included are the anti-imperialist “Address on the Philippine Question,” “On Some Mental Effects of the Earthquake,” a candid personal account of the 1906 California disaster, and “The Moral Equivalent of War,” a call for the redirection of martial energies to peaceful ends, as well as essays on Emerson, the role of university in intellectual life, and psychic research.

LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation’s literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America’s best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.
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  1. Print length
    1379 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Library of America
  4. Publication date
    February 1, 1988
  5. Dimensions
    5.24 x 1.7 x 8.17 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0940450380
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0940450387
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA This volume contains the texts of five books and 19 essays, representing all of James' major work between 1902 and 1910. This latest addition to the series may fill a gap in some collections.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

The Library of America is an award-winning, nonprofit program dedicated to publishing America's best and most significant writing in handsome, enduring volumes, featuring authoritative texts. Hailed as "the most important book-publishing project in the nation's history" (Newsweek), this acclaimed series is restoring America's literary heritage in "the finest-looking, longest-lasting edition ever made" (New Republic).

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Library of America (February 1, 1988)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 1379 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0940450380
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0940450387
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.92 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.24 x 1.7 x 8.17 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 132 ratings

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William James

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4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
132 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Broos963
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2023
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I haven't read the whole book, only the Varieties of Religious Experience, which is really more than a third of the book (about 500 pages). I really loved that book. Such a fascinating read, very illuminating, and I am really motivated now to read the rest of the book. The book is a good collection of William James' philosophy. After reading the Varieties, I now really want to read A Pluralistic Universe (which is included here).

So overall, great content, great print quality, and there's really not much more to say.
One person found this helpful
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Søren Nørgaard
5.0 out of 5 stars Philosophy at her best
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2009
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Being first and foremost a philosopher by heart my William James readings has been like meeting a freind, with whom I not only share opinions, but the more a freind in philosophy, who's personally engaged in solving profound philosophcal questions and in consequence aim for tranparency. Thus, having found myself a diciple of the William James thinking, my appraisals and recommendation can be nothing short of "countles stars" and a "must read".
It's a massive book of more than 1300 pages, which from the hand of James wasn't meant for a single publication. The various parts can be read independantly. I myself have read all but "The Varieties of Religious Experience", why my recommendations doesn't include that part.
The overall subjects of the book are "Pragmatism".
William James determines pragmatism as a necessary philosophical format, which proposes itself as a mediator between the religious and the emperic mindsets by forming the pragmatic corridor, in which scientific and theoretical developments in general can meet and by means of the pragmatic adequacy criteria submit themselves for concept validation and cross-disciplinary exploration.
Pragmatism, though its tendencies had always existed in philosophy, was at the time a relatively recent though international development that profoundly challenged the ruling rationalist mindset. As always, when profound paradigms are challenged, also the pragmatist point of view became subject of fierce and deep discussions,which on the other hand turned out contributing to the clarification of a wide range of philosofical positions. And this is exactly why this book is worth while reading. The writings of William James not only displays the contemporary discussion, by his excellent intellect and comprehensive knowledge of the history of philosophy his writings simultaneously becomes a kaleidoscope to the world of philosophical thinking in general, to the universe of the pragmatist mindset and to the differences between the pragmatist and rationalist accounts.
Being a collection of writings the same subjects are dealt with more times. Due to a particular interest I first read "Some Problems of Philosophy". This part is perhaps the most stringent treatment of the problems dealt with and may also to others be a good starting point. However, not going back into the lectures and the contemporary discussions you'll miss some of the greater and most rewarding parts of the book.
9 people found this helpful
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ChuckBeattyxHOEYologist75to03
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm a college dropout, was in a cult....James was on my list
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2023
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I was a career Scientology cult bureaucrat in the cult staffer training departments/projects to brainwash the staffs in their cult staff duties.

I was a college dropout, and I'd heard James of course was the ultimate "apologist" for the 19th century "mind cure" fads that were taken to be as infatuating to people as splintering Protestantism sects were by the end of the 1800s.

This book, his writing, is chock full, I recommend the American Library excellent excellent quality bindings, etc, get this one, even if way more than the cheap paperback bogus editions of this work.

A page of content in his writings will get your mind buzzing.

My Scientology cult years (1975 to 2003) so far, if James were here to pass judgement, I'm sure sadly Scientology overall would be displeased, but also I'm sure James would find ways to sprinkle some praise on the Xenu People Full of Body-Thetans Implanted With The R6 Implants Cult of Scientology in some way.
2 people found this helpful
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Jeffrey Tedford
5.0 out of 5 stars A Pioneering Work of Psychology and Spirituality: "The true is what works well"
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2014
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William James: Writings 1902-1910 has as its highlight "The Varieties of Religious Experience", comprised of a series of lectures delivered by the psychologist and philosopher, William James (Henry James' brother). William James explores the uniquely religious experience from a psychological viewpoint as distinguished from mere cynicism or pseudo-science. His approach was highly influential with the emergent 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, which emphasized the personal discovery of a power sufficient to effect an entire psychic change. This beautifully edited Library of America volume includes other works from James' late maturity-"Pragmatism", " A Pluralistic Universe", "The Meaning of Truth", "Some Problems of Philosophy", "Essays". I prefer this edition for permanence, footnotes, clarity. As James summarizes his system."...the uses of religion, its uses to the individual who has it, and the uses of the individual to the world, are the best arguments that truth is in it...the true is what works well." This is not light reading but it is eminently worthwhile, possibly life-changing. Amazon offers this spiritual & literary classic for around $25 plus S&H.
13 people found this helpful
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Wendy Bourgeois
4.0 out of 5 stars James should be in everyone's library
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2008
William James is a national treasure. So this book, which was realtivly inexpensive and contains almost of all of his important work with the exception of principles in pyschology, is an excellent addition to a home library. However, the pages are bible thin and the book is dense for its portable size, making it a little wonky on the ergonomics. still worth having, but it requires a little care in handling.
6 people found this helpful
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D'vo
5.0 out of 5 stars academic lectures, not necessarily written essays
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021
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" ...of lectures from Scottish, English, or German representatives of the science or literature...it seems natural for us to listen whilst Europeans talk. The contrary habit, of talking whilst Europeans listen, we have not yet acquired ..." Willam James from his introduction to Lecture I -Religion and Neurology. before the said speakers in Edinburgh.
having read from Tolstoy to Huxley and Jung. I wanted to hear / read what an American has to say.
This opus is 1313 pages crammed full of insightful thought and ponderings on the human experience. From God to the Pluralist Universe it is all here in one exhaustive volume.
The pages are a bit thin, but that makes this tome affordable.
3 people found this helpful
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Nz
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice quality. The words inside are good.
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2023
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I like the quality of this print as well as the words that are in it. William James was a smart guy.
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Gordon Graziano
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully printed, hence visually easy to read.
Reviewed in Canada on August 15, 2018
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William James is brilliant, and the text is a must read if you are interested in philosophy as it applies to comparative religions and one's spirituality.. William James, is the son of Henry James, both brilliant individuals, and superb writers. William James is an absolute pleasure to read. Library of America Publishers produce a very high quality text. As a publishing company, they really care about their products and it shows. The printing (font) is of very high contrast, on above average paper stock and the books from this publisher are beautifully bound, and meant to last and pass on to the reader's children. Simply, a pleasure to read for so many reasons.
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Marlow
5.0 out of 5 stars Edición excepcional.
Reviewed in Spain on January 1, 2019
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Como de costumbre, las ediciones preparadas por la Biblioteca de América son excepcionales. En esta se recogen los principales escritos de madurez de William James, a excepción de su primera gran obra, Principios de psicología (1890), publicada en un período anterior al que refiere esta compilación. Algunos de los ensayos/conferencias no han sido traducidos aún al castellano; me refiero a los que en alguna colección se han titulado como "Essays in Radical Empiricism", y que constituyen, en el pensamiento de James, una evolución en su pensamiento sobre la concepción pragmática de la filosofía y la psicología. Aquí se recogen como "Essays", y aparecen "Does Consiousness Exist?", "How Two Minds Can Know One Thing" o "Is Radical Empiricism Solipsistic?" y otros.

En cuanto al envío del producto, no tardó ni 24 horas en llegar. Fantástico.
2 people found this helpful
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Raghubir Singh Pirta
5.0 out of 5 stars This compact volume containing some important contributions of the famous ...
Reviewed in India on February 21, 2018
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This compact volume containing some important contributions of the famous psychologist is a significant addition to personal library. The ideas of James are thought provoking. And the content in this volume particularly challenges the academic trend in a number of ways.
One person found this helpful
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Robert G McPherson
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on January 30, 2018
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A volume to refer to often and treasure!
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