The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era

Micheline R. Ishay

ISBN 10: 0520256417 / ISBN 13: 9780520256415

Published by University of California Press (edition ), 2008

About this Item

It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.

Seller Inventory # 0520256417-11-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era
• Publisher: University of California Press (edition )
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0520256417
• ISBN 13: 9780520256415
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Micheline Ishay recounts the dramatic struggle for human rights across the ages in a book that brilliantly synthesizes historical and intellectual developments from the Mesopotamian Codes of Hammurabi to today's era of globalization. As she chronicles the clash of social movements, ideas, and armies that have played a part in this struggle, Ishay illustrates how the history of human rights has evolved from one era to the next through texts, cultural traditions, and creative expression. Writing with verve and extraordinary range, she develops a framework for understanding contemporary issues from the debate over globalization to the intervention in Kosovo to the climate for human rights after September 11, 2001. The only comprehensive history of human rights available, the book will be essential reading for anyone concerned with humankind's quest for justice and dignity.

Ishay structures her chapters around six core questions that have shaped human rights debate and scholarship: What are the origins of human rights? Why did the European vision of human rights triumph over those of other civilizations? Has socialism made a lasting contribution to the legacy of human rights? Are human rights universal or culturally bound? Must human rights be sacrificed to the demands of national security? Is globalization eroding or advancing human rights? As she explores these questions, Ishay also incorporates notable documents―writings, speeches, and political statements―from activists, writers, and thinkers throughout history.

About the Author

Micheline R. Ishay is Professor and Director of the International Human Rights Program at the University of Denver, author of Internationalism and Its Betrayal, and editor of The Human Rights Reader.