History Man: The Life of R. G. Collingwood - Softcover

Inglis, Fred

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0691150052 ISBN 13: 9780691150055

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2011

Synopsis

This is the first biography of the last and greatest British idealist philosopher, R. G. Collingwood (1889-1943), a man who both thought and lived at full pitch. Best known today for his philosophies of history and art, Collingwood was also a historian, archaeologist, sailor, artist, and musician. A figure of enormous energy and ambition, he took as his subject nothing less than the whole of human endeavor, and he lived in the same way, seeking to experience the complete range of human passion. In this vivid and swiftly paced narrative, Fred Inglis tells the dramatic story of a remarkable life, from Collingwood's happy Lakeland childhood to his successes at Oxford, his archaeological digs as a renowned authority on Roman Britain, his solo sailing adventures in the English Channel, his long struggle with illness, and his sometimes turbulent romantic life.

In a manner unheard of today, Collingwood attempted to gather all aspects of human thought into a single theory of practical experience, and he wrote sweeping accounts of history, art, science, politics, metaphysics, and archaeology, as well as a highly regarded autobiography. Above all, he dedicated his life to arguing that history--not science--is the only source of moral and political wisdom and self-knowledge.

Linking the intellectual and personal sides of Collingwood's life, and providing a rich history of his milieu, History Man also assesses Collingwood's influence on generations of scholars after his death and the renewed recognition of his importance and interest today.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"Fred Inglis's lively and interesting biography shows the extent and interest of Collingwood's contribution to the twentieth century and beyond. There is no other book comparable in biographical scope and detail. This is a welcome addition."--James Connelly, University of Hull

"Fred Inglis is an experienced biographer with a refreshing style, and here he has brought his skills to bear on the eventful life and original thought of R. G. Collingwood. This imaginative biography gives an engaging portrait and interpretation of the man."--David Boucher, Cardiff University

About the Author:

Fred Inglis is the author of more than twenty books, including People's Witness: The Journalist in Modern Politics and The Cruel Peace: Everyday Life and the Cold War (Basic). He is professor emeritus of cultural studies at the University of Sheffield.

About this edition

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0691150052
• ISBN 13: 9780691150055
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400