A Clarion Call for Liberal Education
Book & Movie Reviews
Blue Skies: My Life in Many Worlds by S. Frederick Starr
In his memoirs, Edward Gibbon noted that “every person has two educations, one which he receives from others, and one, more important, which he gives to himself.” By this measure, S. Frederick Starr has excelled. Starr, who served as president of Oberlin College and the Aspen Institute, has authored works on diverse topics including Russian history and art, Central Asia, and New Orleans jazz.
A skilled musician, Starr founded the Louisiana Repertory Jazz Ensemble in 1980 to revive the authentic traditions of New Orleans jazz. In his witty and engaging memoir Blue Skies, he traces his journey as a historian and educator.
“The study of the past is vital to understanding the present.”
Like his mentor George F. Kennan, the architect of the Cold War containment doctrine, Starr immersed himself in Russian history and culture. His first book explored mid-nineteenth century reforms in Russia, revealing significant local-level ferment often overlooked in portrayals of Russia as a strict autocracy.
Author’s summary: Starr’s memoir highlights the importance of self-directed learning and understanding history to grasp contemporary realities.