Memoirs of a Happy Failure
By Alice von Hildebrand · Published by TAN Books
Overview
In Memoirs of a Happy Failure, Alice von Hildebrand recounts her escape from Nazi‑occupied Europe, her academic career at Hunter College in New York, and her marriage to the philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand. Rooted in Catholic truth and intellectual courage, her story bears witness to the providence of God in a life lived for wisdom and fidelity. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Recounts a dramatic flight from Europe and early years in America under the shadow of war. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Shares the experience of teaching philosophy for 37 years in a secular institution while defending objective truth. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Gives readers a window into the life of a Catholic intellectual standing firm amidst relativism. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Demonstrates how fidelity and courage in small‑daily tasks lead to invisible but enduring fruit. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Offers hope and encouragement to those who feel “failed” by the world but remain rooted in Christ. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
From the Book
“There are things that do not change, which have an absolutely and transcendent validity, and which every person has a right to know.”
— Alice von Hildebrand (Memoirs of a Happy Failure) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Intended Audience
This memoir is suited for parish‑ministers, educators, seminarians, and lay‑readers dedicated to the Catholic intellectual tradition, especially those facing cultural opposition or seeking renewal through truth and grace.
Key Themes
- Faith and courage in the face of secular opposition
- The pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty in academic and professional life
- Providence and gratitude amid trials and seeming failure
- SKU:
- SB0751
- Pages:
- 200
- Publication Date:
- 09/2014
- Product Format:
- Hardcover
- Contributor:
- John Henry Crosby
- Forward:
- Timothy Cardinal Dolan
- Height:
- 9.25
- Width:
- 6.25
2 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Confession of a Happy Failure
I read this book twice and flew through it. It was so interesting how she took care of her students with joy and love.
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Memoirs of a Happy Failure
This is a beautiful book by both an exceptional philosopher and deeply committed Catholic. Alice von Hildebrand, the wife of the great philosopher Dietrich von Hildebrand does more than share her remarkable life and career, including being a professor at Hunter College. She offers wisdom for living in tough and turbulent times. She writes with grace, charity and deep insight. This is a book to read and re-read, a real gem that will benefit any person's religious life.
