"When the complete picture of Randolph Bourne emerges, he will be seen as the pioneer spirit of his age, a symbol of our future. His place in the American tradition is secure. His life marks the beginning of our "coming-of- age." --James Oppenheim, Editor of Untimely Papers, 1919
Untimely papers, (1919), published after Randolph Bourne died, is a collection of essays, dealing with the the crisis of World War I and the concept of war. This collection includes his unfinished draft, The State, also known as War is the Health of the State. The other essays had been published before in the early 20th century literary magazine The Seven Arts, such as: Below the Battle, The War and the Intellectuals, and A War Diary. Together "they make a book both historic and prophetic," commented The Seven Arts founder and editor, James Oppenheim.
Bourne's work is as thought-provoking and relevant as ever for students of history, political scientists and others interested in the role of war for the modern state.