Irving Kristol died today in Washington at the age of 89. In a lifetime full of intellectual attainments, perhaps none surpassed his founding (with Daniel Bell) and editing (first with Daniel Bell and then Nathan Glazer) of The Public Interest from 1965 to 2002. Reading Kristol’s elegant essays and Wall Street Journal op-eds was an education by itself for me. His life was extraordinarily consequential. His civility, good humor and indomitable spirit set an example that we can only strive to emulate.
He made a difference for the better. His death represents a terrible loss to American life and letters. Our sincere condolences to his entire family including his wife, the great Gertrude Himmelfarb, and his children, Bill Kristol and Elizabeth Nelson.
PAUL adds: John Podhoretz has written a fine tribute to Irving Kristol. Commentary, where Kristol worked after his discharge from the Army following World War II, is making available all of the 45 pieces he contributed to that magazine.
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“Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.” Winston Churchill
“Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof.” Inscription on the Liberty Bell
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