Reflections on Violence (Dover Books on History, Political and Social Science) - Softcover

Sorel, Georges

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486437078 ISBN 13: 9780486437071

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2004

Synopsis

Sorel developed an original and provocative theory on the positive, even creative, role of myth and violence in the historical process. Sorel was a civil servant who fervently believed that only the clearest and most brutal expression of class war could effect lasting social change. This, his most important work, is a passionate outcry for the socialist overthrow of society.
Reflections on Violence first appeared as a series of articles in Le Mouvement Socialiste in 1906; it appeared in book form two years later, and translations extended its influence around the world. Sorel addresses the factors underlying revolutionary movements and examines the roles of violence (the revolutionary denial of the existing social order) and force (the state's power of coercion). He further explores sources of political power, the weapons of revolutions — the insurrection and the general strike — and the significant role of "myths" in recruiting and motivating potential revolutionaries.

About this title

Book Description

Georges Sorel's Reflections On Violence (1908) remains a controversial text to this day. It unashamedly advocates the use of violence as a means of putting an end to the corrupt politics of bourgeois democracy and of bringing down capitalism. It is both dangerous and fascinating, of enduring importance and interest to all those concerned about the nature of modern politics. This new student edition of Sorel's classic text is accompanied by notes, chronology, and bibliography, as well as a concise introduction to the context and content of this work.

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0486437078
• ISBN 13: 9780486437071
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304