Percy-L: Literary, Religious, Scientific, and Philosophical Discussion of Walker Percy

[a1irish AT comcast.net]

Fr. Basil,

As someone who wrote her dissertation on Percy, I can only encourage you to explore your topic if "providence" smiles on you.  It will be a journey that will bring you great joy and insight. 

 

I too have made several pilgrammages to St. Joseph Abbey and find great comfort in the beauty and serenity.  I have been concerned about it since Katrina.  I hope all is well there.

Linda

 

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I have made the pilgrammage to visit Percy’s grave at St. Joseph Abbey. Beautiful setting.  In fact, such an “understated” setting we had some difficulty even locating his grave. Perfect for Percy.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: percy-l-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:percy-l-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Basil David Burns
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 7:04 PM
To: Percy-L AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [percy-l] walker percy dissertation?

 

Dear Percy-lover-list-servers,

I just wanted t0 introduce myself to the list, and perhaps spark some discussion.  My name is Fr. Basil Burns, O.S.B., and I am a doctoral student in philosophy at the University of Dallas.  Dr. Percy is, quite literally, "buried in my backyard."  I am a monk of St. Joseph Abbey in Covington where he used to take retreats, though I entered the monastery too late to ever know him personally.  I know his wife, and am friends with his grandson, John Walker.  I spent a year living with the family of Dr. Russell Kirk, the critic and historian, and he always spoke very highly of Dr. Percy. 

I am considering writing a dissertation on Walker Percy's philosophy of language, and its particular relationship with find the "new theory of man" for the modern age that he so ardently sought.  I know that he always wanted to write a more coherent book on the subject, but was never able to tie things together.  As far as I know, no one has attempted this specific project.  I have looked up dissertations on Walker Percy that touch on his language theory, but they usually are from a literary rather than a philosophical perspective.  I think that perhaps I might be able to make a contribution to this field.

I do not know whether or not this project will be approved by the powers that be -- but it's the best idea that I have come up with so far.  I have taken several language theory classes in anticipation of the possible project, and will wait to see what Providence unfolds.  In any case, I wanted to offer a cordial "hello" and see if anyone had any thoughts.

Many blessings to you all.

Fr. Basil Burns, O.S.B.

Monk of St. Josephy Abbey

Covington, LA

--- Begin Message ---

• From: "Dye, Steve" <sldye AT bluegrass.org>
• To: "Percy-L: Literary and Philosophical Discussion" <percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org>
• Subject: Re: [percy-l] walker percy dissertation?
• Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2005 18:36:04 +0000

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