James F. Penrose was a longtime contributor to The New Criterion, writing mostly about French music and art.
Articles by James F. Penrose View All
Books December 2021
Infinitely ordinary
A review of An Infinite History: The Story of a Family in France over Three Centuries by Emma Rothschild.
Features June 2021
Full of insight, full of fun
On Critique musicale, volume 10, by Hector Berlioz.
Features March 2021
Revolutionary characters
On French aristocrats at the twilight of the ancien régime.
Blog Posts by James F. Penrose View All
Aug 25, 2021
Two polymaths
On Victor Hugo and Camille Saint-Saëns.
Jul 12, 2021
Concert note: Treats for the ears
On recent classical concerts in Paris.
Jul 08, 2021
Great spectacles, noble thoughts
On “Storms and Shipwrecks: From Vernet to Courbet” at Musée de la Vie romantique in Paris.