Free books in English, both in philosophy and poetry. Let’s start with philosophy:
The Dream of the Piranha in the Lemonade Stream:
The Dream of the Piranha in the Lemonade Stream (English, Philosophy) (49 downloads )Click the link above to download the pdf version of ‘The Dream of the Piranha in the Lemonade Stream’. It is a book about the imagination, about magic, and about something very problematic: Dutch Literature.
People have told me they found it to be an uplifting, liberating work. Maybe you’ll feel the same!
The Eternal Hazing:
The Eternal Hazing (45 downloads )The Eternal Hazing is a fiercely independent, intellectually rich, and darkly humorous exploration of art, ideology, and power. It is a book about exclusion, resistance, and the absurdity of cultural hegemony, told through a mix of memoir, critique, and biting satire. Benders crafts a manifesto for artistic integrity, making the case that true literature must exist beyond ideological servitude—but also acknowledging that those who refuse to conform will always be hazed by the system.
He also recounts his experience with literary reviewers, particularly the phenomenon of “reviewism”—a practice where critics offer superficial praise while subtly undermining a work’s legitimacy. This, he argues, is another form of institutional control, where even positive reviews can serve as a way of keeping independent voices in check. The book presents numerous hilarious yet cutting anecdotes about critics who claim to admire his work while simultaneously dismissing it with pedantic nitpicks.
Beyond the Dutch literary scene, The Eternal Hazing also delves into Benders’ travels and reflections on art, culture, and politics. The book includes extended passages on his experiences in London, Dublin, and other cities, where he observes how power and ideology manifest in different cultural contexts. His descriptions of London’s architecture and Buckingham Palace’s statues serve as metaphors for the absurdities of British power structures, drawing unexpected connections between monarchy, matriarchy, and postmodernism.
One particularly compelling passage revolves around J.M.W. Turner’s paintings at the Tate Museum. Benders recounts an experience where a lecturer dismisses his and Véronique’s observation of an “eye” within Turner’s work, illustrating how institutional authority can resist alternative interpretations of art. He uses this moment to launch into a broader discussion about hidden symbols, artistic perception, and the intersection of mythology and modern politics. This passage ties into his recurring theme of how power seeks to obscure uncomfortable truths, whether in art, politics, or literature.
Another major theme in the book is the role of music and cultural nostalgia, particularly in relation to the 1980s and the phenomenon of “Careless Whisper culture.” He describes how the music of that era has become a kind of collective opiate, a nostalgic refuge that insulates people from engaging with reality. He connects this to a broader critique of how popular culture is used to pacify and control society, much like ideological conformity in the literary world.
If you want a book that provokes, entertains, and dismantles the illusions of contemporary culture, The Eternal Hazing is essential reading. This is not just a book—it’s a declaration of artistic defiance, a call for those who refuse to be tamed by the system. Are you ready to break free?