The Empire of Reason by Henry Steele Commager

The Empire of Reason by Henry Steele Commager

Beginning with a survey of the origins and growth of 18th century rationalism, the author explains how the realization of the great philosophers' ideals in Europe was inevitably frustrated by the counterweight of tradition and privilege. He points out that in America there were no such barriers. The principles of the Enlightenment were written into law, crystallised into institutions, and sanctified by use. Although democracy was not absolute (the existence of slavery remained unquestioned), in comparison with Europe, America could justifiably claim to be incorporating the ideals of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' into the daily lives of her people. The result was the start of an American revolution as significant as the winning of independence and the creation of a nation. This book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of America's past - essential both for a true appreciation of America's European origins and for her subsequent development into the 20th century. "Learning and reason are at the service of a mind whose understanding of democracy gains brilliance and power from a passion for democratic freedom." Arthur Schlesinger Jr.

Educated at the universities of Chicago and Copenhagen and Oxford. Pitt Chair of American History at Cambridge University; Harmsworth Chair at Oxford University; Gottesman Chair at Uppsala University. Awarded the Gold Medal for History in 1972 by the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781842120767
ISBN 10	184212076X
Title	The Empire of Reason
Author	Henry Steele Commager
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Orion Publishing Co
Year published	2000-09-21
Number of pages	352
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable