SOURCE: Kesler, Charles R. “All Against All.” National Review 41, no. 15 (18 August 1989): 39-43.

In the following laudatory review of The Rebirth of Classical Political Rationalism, Kesler details the disagreement between Strauss's ideological disciples, known as Straussians, and calls it “the liveliest and most interesting debate within conservatism.”

Sixteen years after his death, Leo Strauss's influence on the American mind and on American politics continues to grow. His books are more widely read than ever. His students and followers, whose ranks multiply, form not only the most distinguished and combative group of conservatives in the contemporary academy, but also a revolutionary force within American conservatism.

The reasons for Strauss's growing reputation are abundantly clear in this new collection of his essays and lectures. The Rebirth of Classical Political Rationalism brings together five of Strauss's previously published articles and five “slightly edited versions” of unpublished lectures. All display the imcomparable insight...