Persons And Places: Fragments of Autobiography

Philosopher, poet, critic of culture and literature, and best-selling novelist, George Santayana (1863-1952) stands as a major figure in American philosophy and literature. This new edition of his autobiography restores passages that were deleted in the original book because of the publisher's sensitivities about lawsuits, printing and production convenience, a general desire by editors to "soften" some of his remarks, and his own request that portions be published only after his death.

Santayana's marginal notes, idiosyncratic punctuation, and use of British spelling, reveal a stubbornly aloof and scrupulously remote observer. The eloquence of this detachment is fully brought forth in the rich language and smoothly ironic recollections of Persons and Places.

William G. Holzberger is Professor of English at Bucknell University. Herman J. Saatkamp, Jr. is Professor and Head, Department of Philosophy and Humanities, Texas A&M University.