The Scottish Enlightenment by Arthur Herman
If you think that Scotland's contribution to civilization is limited to golf, tartan and single malt whisky, then this is the book to set you straight. Arthur Herman takes the reader on a journey to the origins, as well as the furthest limits, of what we call the modern age. Scotland's turbulent history, from William Wallace to the Presbyterian Lords of the Covenant, laid the foundations for "the Scottish miracle". Herman shows how a remarkable circle of 18th-century Scottish thinkers, including David Hume and Adam Smith, gave birth to the key assumptions that underlie modern politics, economics, morals and cultural life. The Scots went on to become the mainstays of the British Empire, transforming it from a system of exploitation into a genuine world community. Immigration to America brought inspiration for the Revolution, and the Scots were key to the rise of America's capitalist democracy.
On THE IDEA OF DECLINE IN WESTERN HISTORY: 'Herman handles his sprawling subject with intelligence and ease' New York Times 'A swift, learned and marvelously readable account.' James M. Morris, Civitas 'Challenging ... it deserves a wide audience.' Los Angeles Times
Arthur Herman received his Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University. He has been professor of history at both George Mason and Georgetown Universities and is now Co-ordinator at the Smithsonian's Western Heritage Programme. His books include The Idea of Decline in Western History.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781841152752 |
| ISBN 10 | 1841152757 |
| Title | The Scottish Enlightenment |
| Author | Arthur Herman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | HarperCollins Publishers |
| Year published | 2002-01-02 |
| Number of pages | 400 |
| Prizes | Short-listed for Saltire Society Scottish Book of the Year Award 2002 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |