The Propaganda of Freedom

The book examines the notion that only artists in free societies can create great art, a belief endorsed by John F. Kennedy during the Cold War. It critiques the CIA-funded Congress for Cultural Freedom and its anti-totalitarian stance, rooted in the experiences of figures like Nicolas Nabokov and Igor Stravinsky. Through the lens of Stravinsky and Dmitri Shostakovich, it delves into the complex interplay of personal, social, and political influences on creativity. Additionally, it evaluates the Kennedy administration's arts initiatives and their relevance to contemporary American identity.