One senses that this book goes against the reigning left-wingism -- the ubiquitous, ultimately Marx-worshipping glorification of entropy and meaninglessness, the latter being what are chiefly glorified and adored today because once meaning is seen to exist, Marxism dies and everyone knows it. (We can't have THAT, now, can we!)

If this work goes against the prevailing left-wingism, its advent is welcome indeed.

I think it goes against modernism and post-modernism. The types of architectural horrors that Alexander seems to lament were committed by both communists and capitalists.

I didn't say communism, but left-wingism. Ted Turner and George Soros are left-wing capitalists. There are plenty more where they came from. Communism was never a final aim of left-wingism, only a means for getting us to another place, spiritually an even deadlier place. The driving force behind Marxism could care less about communism, never its ultimate aim anyway. 1917 to 1989 was merely Plan A. That fell through. (Neo-)Marxism, completely unfazed and thriving like never before, has us fourteen years into Plan B. Plan B is more nefarious than Plan A ever was. Marxism isn't and never was about communism, but about attacking normalness and meaning and replacing them, respectively, with degenerateness and meaninglessness. Anything whatsoever that restores meaning and normalness to architecture or any other aspect of civilized life goes against left-wingism -- is the equivalent of thrusting a crucifix into the face of the vampire.

You have an interesting notion of left-wingism. Isn't the skyscraper the epitome and triumph of capitalism? That is exactly what Christopher Alexander is arguing against, although I'm sure he would find communist-style modernist apartment blocks just as hideous.

I'm sure he would find communist-style modernist apartment blocks just as hideous.

Who does like those things anyway?

the reigning left-wingism -- the ubiquitous, ultimately Marx-worshipping glorification of entropy and meaninglessness

Unadorned, I think you need to get to know more liberals. You've tripped and fell into the caricature zone.
. . .Or maybe you just live in Berkeley, in which case you should get to know less liberals to get rid of your caricature problem.

"Unadorned, I think you need to get to know more liberals."

Gee, Jason, thanks for your concern, but ... I dunno ... I think I'll pass on that for now ... that is, if you don't mind ...

"You've tripped and fallen into the caricature zone ... Or maybe you just live in Berkeley, in which case you should get to know fewer liberals, to get rid of your caricature problem."

Was born and raised in the New-York-Times-worshipping belly of the beast, Jason -- Queens, New York City. (And, no -- Berserkely is the last place in the country I'd ever choose to live.) I know a liberal when I see one, thanks very much (used to be one myself, not to mention a communist sympathiser -- until I got my head screwed on frontwards later in life).

While we're about giving each other advice, maybe you and another blogger on GnXp.com might benefit from a few good stiff doses of "View From the Right," Lawrence Auster's and Jim Kalb's blog-site. You'll get naught but the most concentrated distillation imaginable of normalness and common sense over there, Jason. Who knows -- it might even be the making of one or two GnXpers (make that "one" -- that is, if he's not completely beyond help) ...

I'm Sorry, I didn't realize I somehow made my way onto your enemies list Unadorned! I guess I must have offended you at some point , but I never had issue with you.

As for Godless, I know you have personal issues, but I am surprised you feel there is some unforgivable political divide between you as well. Can you seriously name 4 significant political issues that divide you?

The original left were the conservatives. Socialism is naturally conservative. Marxist Communism isn't conservative but isn't true socialism either it is state capitalism.