Influential Protestant theologian (1892–1971) and philosopher who reshaped much of American thought concerning society, politics, and the meaning of history. Archive of correspondence from Niebuhr to Dr. John Smith of Yale’s Department of Philosophy, consisting of five TLSs, all signed “Reinhold,” two undated and three dated 1959. One letter, in part: “The Columbia Forum piece is a summary of three chapters of a book I have been writing…I think I will call it ‘Under the Sword of Damocles; The Politics of two anti-imperialist Imperial Nations.’ I’ve done a longer piece on the Johannine Encyclical for the Christian Century. What a marvellous product of adjustment and lack of adjustment the Roman church is. Their sex ethic is really absurd with its combination of asceticism and hard utilitarianism.” Another, in part: “I have finally really studied your Royce. It is a grand job and shows the most discriminating metaphysical powers, which does not surprise me.” In overall fine condition. RR Auction COA.
