Defending Boyhood

Western civilization has no more eloquent defender than Anthony Esolen. He has taken up its mantle and been persecuted for it. No matter the consequences, Esolen knows the vital importance that the principles of western civilization still hold today. If we hope to regain today's culture, we must remember the truths that have been relegated to yesterday. Following on his Defending Marriage, Esolen returns, this time in defense of boys and an experience of boyhood that is on the wane, if not extinguished in many quarters of the modern world. He masterfully illuminates the threats our precious sons face from all manner of purveyors and promoters of political correctness, too often hiding in plain sight. And he tackles head-on the misguided and ultimately doomed—though not before it has done much mischief—project of blurring the distinctions between boys and girls. Drawing on his own all-American boyhood, Esolen, at times wistfully, at times, playfully, and at times prophetically—in the literal sense of employing the thunder of an Old Testament prophet—details what a good boyhood once was and what it can be again. Here, Esolen shows the parents of boys how raise sons who will: Enter the arena and fight for what is right Join with a band of brothers to defend the weak Sing songs that give glory to God and honor to honorable men Slay the enemies of God, Family, and Country Give—and protect—life, especially children and family. In Defending Boyhood Esolen prescribes a return to sanity in an insane world. Enter into the world of boyhood with him and he just might change you and the lives of the boys you love.