"Egoists, A Book of Supermen" by James Huneker is a compelling collection of essays delving into the lives and works of notable figures in art and literature. Huneker, a renowned critic, explores the essence of individualism and egoism embodied by these creative minds, whom he dubs "supermen." Through insightful cultural analysis and criticism, Huneker navigates the realms of aesthetics and modernism, shedding light on the avant-garde movements shaping the artistic landscape of his time. In these essays, Huneker's keen eye for detail and deep appreciation for personality shine through as he dissects the influences and impacts of these egoists on their respective fields. From painters to poets, composers to novelists, each chapter offers a glimpse into the unique psyche of these creative geniuses and their contributions to the world of art and literature. As a master of literary criticism, Huneker's exploration of individualism and its role in shaping cultural identity is both enlightening and thought-provoking. "Egoists, A Book of Supermen" stands as a testament to the enduring influence of creative minds who dare to defy convention and carve their own path in the pursuit of artistic excellence.
James Gibbons Huneker was an American art, literary, music, and theatrical reviewer. A colorful individual and an ambitious writer, he was "an American with a great mission," in the words of his friend, the critic Benjamin De Casseres, and that mission was to educate Americans about the best cultural achievements, native and European, of his day. From 1892 to 1899, he was the husband of sculptor Clio Hinton. Huneker was born in Philadelphia. His parents forced him to study law, but he realized that a legal career was not for him; he was enthusiastic about music and writing, and hoped to one day be a concert pianist and novelist. Huneker and his wife and child returned to Philadelphia the next year, but he was never content in his hometown and longed for the larger stage of New York, where he wanted to try his luck as a journalist while continuing his musical studies. He relocated to New York City in 1886, abandoning his wife and child. He scraped by providing piano lessons and lived a downtown bohemian lifestyle while studying with Franz Liszt's student Rafael Joseffy, who became a friend and mentor. (Huneker's musical gods were Liszt, Chopin, and Brahms. In 1900, he released a biography of Chopin and wrote a commentary on Chopin's complete works for Schirmer's Music Publishing Company.
