Reflections on the Revolution in France - Softcover

Burke, Edmund

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1605200913 ISBN 13: 9781605200910

Publisher: Cosimo Inc, 2008

Synopsis

Reflections on the Revolution in France is the most famous and popular work of Irish political writer and statesman EDMUND BURKE (1729-1797), whose 12-volume set of collected works has long been considered one of the most influential anthologies of political philosophy in the English language. Reflections, included in Volume III of that set, is significant enough to warrant its own separate publication here. Although Burke supported many liberal movements, such as the right of self-rule of the American colonies and of Ireland, he did not support the French Revolution: he believed the uprising was based on faulty notions that did not properly account for the pitfalls of human nature, and this, he predicted, would lead the revolutionaries to disaster. And indeed, the Revolution did lead to the Reign of Terror and eventually Napoleon Bonaparte. Students of history and philosophy will find Burke's arguments as provocative as his contemporaries did.

About this title

From the Publisher

Rethinking the Western Tradition Series

From the Inside Flap

The French Revolution is a defining moment in world history, and usually it has been first approached by English-speaking readers through the picture painted of it by Edmund Burke. Reflections on the Revolution in France is a classic work in a range of fields from history through political science to literature, and securely holds its place among the canon of “great books.” Yet its meaning is still contested and often misunderstood, equally by those who wish to admire or to denigrate Burke for his present-day relevance. This edition aims to locate Burke once again in his contemporary political and intellectual setting. Alone among recent versions, it reprints the text of the first edition of the Reflections, and shows how Burke amended it as his knowledge of the Revolution deepened. It is certain to become the standard edition for scholars and students alike.
The editor’s Introduction is much more extensive than that of any previous edition. It situates the Reflections in Burke’s life and the development of his ideas, the history of English political thought, the debate about the French Revolution, and the debate the book itself inspired. But the Introduction is more than a compendium of information; it is a thoughtful, coherent interpretation of Burke and his book. The editor’s notes are also fuller than those of any previous edition, glossing many literary and biblical allusions missed by previous editors. He also supplies an extended note on the text, a biographical guide, and a bibliography, helpfully presented in discursive form.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cosimo Inc
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1605200913
• ISBN 13: 9781605200910
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 252