Doublethink / Doubletalk

Doublethink/Doubletalk is Eva Brann’s second book of aphorisms. An aphorism—the term comes from the Greek word for de-limitation—is a brief expression of a much-pondered opinion, succinctly and suggestively phrased. Its very concision invites second thoughts:


"A position emerges and right away arises its antithetical complement. Thus the account of the way things are that I give myself tends—not a hand-waving 'just happens' but to a trustful 'expects'—to develop a double vision, a second sighting."


So wherever you dip into this pocket-sized collection you’ll find passionate opinionatedness and moderating sobriety, pensive gravity and exuberant quirkiness. Sometimes you’ll eat your heart out with resistance and sometimes you’ll laugh out loud in recognition.


Eva Brann is a member of the senior faculty at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, where she has taught for fifty-nine years. She is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal. Her other books include Then & Now, Un-Willing, The Logos of Heraclitus, Feeling Our Feelings, Homage to Americans, Open Secrets / Inward Prospects, The Music of the Republic, and Homeric Moments (all published by Paul Dry Books).