Deaths on March 3

Mel Bradford, American author and critic (b. 1934)

Melvin E. Bradford, born on May 8, 1934, and passing away on March 3, 1993, was a pivotal, albeit sometimes controversial, figure in American intellectual discourse. Primarily known as a conservative political commentator, he also held a distinguished professorship in literature at the University of Dallas. His intellectual journey and profound influence carved out a significant space, particularly within the evolving conservative movement.

A Voice for Traditional Conservatism

Bradford is widely regarded as a leading intellectual architect of the paleoconservative wing of the broader conservative movement. Interestingly, he departed just as the term "paleoconservative" was gaining currency, a label he himself might not have fully embraced, preferring the more encompassing descriptor of "traditional conservative." His philosophy was far from static or merely backward-looking; in the preface to his insightful work, Reactionary Imperative, Bradford penned a powerful statement reflecting his nuanced stance: "Reaction is a necessary term in the intellectual context we inhabit in the twentieth century because merely to conserve is sometimes to perpetuate what is outrageous." This sentiment underscored his belief that true conservatism, in certain historical moments, necessitates a principled stand against elements that have become detrimental, rather than a passive acceptance of the status quo.

Deep Roots in the American South

At the very core of Bradford's conservatism lay an unwavering connection to the heritage and enduring traditions of the American South. This wasn't merely a geographical tie but an intellectual and cultural lineage. His academic journey saw him study at the prestigious Vanderbilt University, a crucible of Southern intellectual thought. It was there that he wrote his doctoral thesis under the tutelage of Donald Davidson, a celebrated Southern Agrarian and Fugitive Poet. This direct mentorship firmly placed Bradford in a succession of thinkers dedicated to the recovery and understanding of Southern tradition, a movement that profoundly shaped his perspective. Tragically, Bradford was in the process of completing a biography of Davidson at the time of his sudden death at the age of 58, a poignant testament to his lifelong devotion to this intellectual legacy.

Literary Acumen and Historical Insight

Beyond his political commentary, Bradford was first and foremost an accomplished literary scholar and a meticulous student of rhetoric. Within literary circles, he earned considerable renown for his insightful work on the towering figure of William Faulkner. Bradford consistently stressed the profound importance of the Southern setting and the primacy of community in truly grasping the intricate actions and complex characters within Faulkner's novels and stories. He steadfastly "had no truck with critical efforts to portray Faulkner as alienated from the South. To the contrary, he saw the novelist as thoroughly embedded within his native region," offering a powerful counter-narrative to prevalent interpretations. His intellectual curiosity, however, extended far beyond literature; he wrote extensively on diverse subjects spanning history and culture. Bradford particularly specialized in the nuanced history of the American founding and, unsurprisingly, Southern history within the United States. In the realm of constitutional theory, Bradford was a vocal advocate for strict constructionism, arguing that "The original understanding of the Constitution, Bradford maintained, conformed much more closely to the Southern position than to Lincoln's acts of usurpation." His influential essays and articles frequently graced the pages of esteemed conservative publications such as Modern Age, Chronicles magazine, and Southern Partisan magazine, cementing his status as a prolific and respected intellectual force.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melvin E. Bradford

Who was Melvin E. Bradford?

Melvin E. Bradford was an influential American conservative political commentator and a professor of literature at the University of Dallas. He was a prominent figure associated with the paleoconservative movement and a prolific writer on Southern history, culture, and literature.

What were his main intellectual contributions?

Bradford was known for his advocacy of traditional conservatism and strict constructionism, his scholarly work on William Faulkner (emphasizing Southern context and community), and his extensive writings on the American founding and Southern history. He saw the need for "reaction" in conservatism to challenge unacceptable elements.

What was his connection to the American South?

His conservatism was deeply rooted in Southern heritage and traditions. He studied at Vanderbilt University under Southern Agrarian Donald Davidson and dedicated much of his work to recovering and understanding Southern intellectual and cultural history.

Which publications did he write for?

Bradford was a frequent contributor to prominent conservative journals and magazines, including Modern Age, Chronicles magazine, and Southern Partisan magazine.

How did he view William Faulkner's work?

He was a noted literary scholar who saw Faulkner as deeply embedded in the South, stressing the importance of the Southern setting and community in understanding the author's novels and stories, and rejecting interpretations that portrayed Faulkner as alienated from his native region.