214
pat t
in
an underworld of the in–
tellect. In a world where everyone
puts on a disguise, it is difficult to
distinguish the false from the true,
to distinguish the values that are
experienced from those that have
been adopted
as
a protective cloak
or as a means of salesmanship for
this or that "cause." Values are on
the market; they are bought and
sold at current prices and the bid–
der is assured that he gets the best
for his money-an article that
seems almost genuine. The writer
is valued for his technical skill like
the scribe in an oriental bazaar,
he is the publicity agent for made–
to-order values.
Periods of decay and of turmoil
are ideal breeding grounds for the
condottiere
of literature. The gen–
eral confusion, the loss of the sense
of integration of personality and
values opens the doors for all cor-
PARTISAN REVIEW
ruption. When Communist leaders
are found assiduously attending
High Mass, when erstwhile revo–
lutionaries outdo the most inveter–
ate chauvinists
in
strident patriotic
screams, when former army desert–
ers proclaim the "mission of our
army and navy" and talk of the
great patriotic heritage, when
Aragon sings in the accents of
Charles Maurras, "communism"
becomes indeed the last refuge of
the scoundrel.
There are the vulgar
lumpen
who write for the daily press and
shout at meetings. And then there
are those who quote Proust and
James Joyce. It is to this lot that
Malaparte belongs. This former
darling of the diplomatic corps–
is still a darling of the diplomatic
corps.
Pietro Aretino wrote a life of
Santa Catharina de Siena; Mala-
THE PARTISAN READER
Ten Years of Partisan Review
SPECIAL COMBINATION OFFER
THE PARTISAN READER regular price $3.75
and one year of PR regular price 3.00
total
6.75
BOTH FOR
6.00
PARTISAN REVIEW, 45 Astor Place, New York City 3
Please send me:
1.
D
A year's subscription to· PR, beginning with the ............................
issue, and a copy of
The Partisan Read•r.
I enclose $6.00.
2.
D
A copy of
The Partisan Reader.
I
enclose
$3.75.
Name
Address
City ·······································-··········· Zone ............ State ................................
