But the Introduction is more than a compendium of information it is a thoughtful, coherent interpretation of Burke and his book. 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. The editor's Introduction is much more extensive than that of any previous edition. It is certain to become the standard edition for scholars and students alike. 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. This edition aims to locate Burke once again in his contemporary political and intellectual setting. 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. 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.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |