On November 5th, 2015, the Acton Institute was pleased to host Dr. Bradley J. Birzer for a lunch lecture and book launch celebration for the release of his latest book, Russell Kirk: American Conservative.

Russell Kirk has long been known as perhaps the most important founding father of the American Conservative movement in the second half of the 20th century. In the early 1950s, America was emerging from two decades of the Great Depression and the New Deal and facing the rise of radical ideologies abroad; the American Right seemed beaten, broken, and adrift. Then in 1953, Russell Kirk released his masterpiece, The Conservative Mind. More than any other published work of the time, this book became the intellectual touchstone for a reinvigorated movement and began a sea change in Americans’ attitudes toward traditionalism.

Brad Birzer’s new biography recounts the story of Kirk’s life andwork, with attention paid not only to hiswritings on politics and economics, but also on literature and culture, both subjects dear to Kirk’s heart and central to his thinking.

Dr. Bradley J. Birzer holds the Russell Amos Kirk Chair in History at Hillsdale College, and also serves as anAssociate Professor of History.We’re pleased to present Dr. Birzer’s presentation for your edification here on the PowerBlog.

(After the jump,I’ve included the latest edition of Radio Free Acton featuring Brad Birzer, as well as some audio and video highlights of Russell Kirk’s appearances at Acton’s first Annual Dinner, and as part ofthe 1994 Lord Acton Lecture Series.)

Russell Kirk introduces William F. Buckley, Jr. at Acton’s First Annual Dinner on May 12, 1992

Russell Kirk delivers his final public address prior to his death as part of the 1994 Acton Lecture Series in Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 10, 1994.