Reflections on the Revolution in France and Other Writings: Edited and Introduced by Jesse Norman (Everyman's Library Classics Series)

This book is a series of excerpts / works from Edmund Burke. Burke is one of the most profound thinkers of the modern(ish) age. Indeed, for those in the Western world, Burke is foundational to understanding some aspects of our society.The collection was excellent. I was little disappointed only that excerpts were chosen from some works - although the complete "Reflections" is included, and there is a mass of letters which some could have given way to more of his published work. However, the excerpts were skillfully chosen, and many of the letters were also enjoyable to read (and to get a wider sense of Burke).The format of the book is wonderful. Excellent binding, hardcover, inexpensive (when I bought it - unfortunately appears out of print now - may it be reprinted soon!), and bookmark. The paper is nice, and excellent to write / take notes on while reading (although small margins).The content is the best part, and extremely thought-provoking. It is interesting to note the characteristic themes of Burke, and to ponder them. We can learn from the past and from previous generations, instead of despising them (the wisdom of humanity is greater than that of any one generation or of any one man). Burke has wit - he presents absolutely savage critiques and insults, but in such a polite and eloquent way that you can't help but enjoy them. Perhaps the most interesting part is Burke's perspective against abstract / speculative metaphysics. Burke certainly is principled, but for abstract metaphysics he has no time, and no patience. It is amusing then that he takes this theme in order to critique positions, which are those affirmed by the modern left - and affirmed by the left in an anti-metaphysical perspective! Perhaps the modern left's anti-metaphysical perspective is just as speculative and abstract as those which they critique in turn, and Burke (in the late 1700s) makes just that case. Certainly worth a read, and incredibly insightful. Burke has collected and distilled millennia of political reason and wisdom which is worth hearing.

new and pristine condition upon receipt

Beautiful edition and inexpensive!

"Reflections on the Revolution in France" is one of Edmund Burke's most famous essays. Burke was upset with the direction of the French Revolution which espoused egalitarianism but would lead to dictatorship. He defended the traditions and history of France and felt that the revolutionaries were going too far. As history tells us, he was right.American conservatives can find much to admire in Burke's writings. In contrast to another reviewer's incorrect assessment of American conservatives, they do not "detest the poor" (a juvenile statement) nor oppose the welfare state because of racism. American conservatives support a safety net for all citizens but don't want citizens to become dependents of the state. Nor are American conservatives "anarchists" who desire no government (another baseless comment by the reviewer). Conservatives are opposed to an overly large government because they know that the larger the government is, the less rights the individual has. Burke was a champion of property rights and therefore individual rights.As a quote from another source, "Burke's writings and speeches on the French Revolution made him renowned throughout Europe. Traditionalists since then have turned to Burke's thought to find inspiration on how to defend existing institutions from radical assaults. Indeed, Burke failed to perceive some of the positive elements that would eventually emerge from the French Revolution. But his writings nonetheless continue to provide guidance on how to accommodate the forces of change and innovation while preserving the foundational ideas of Western civilization."The French Revolution wanted to tear down all traditional and historical institutions of France in the name of egalitarianism. It has some similarities to the current social justice movement in the United States. It led to a very bloody revolution where simply being a member of the aristocracy meant you were slaughtered. Too often these revolutionary movements needed to be in total control and the country ends up with a totalitarian form of government (dictatorship) put into power for the supposed purpose of rooting out all remains of the former regime. A very bloody path indeed and one that Burke wisely predicted as an outcome.I don't agree with Burke on everything but do find some of his writings to be very inspiring. Any conservative will be impressed with the passion and eloquence of Burke's writings and thoughts. If you have not read him before, now is the time. Highly recommended!

I love the Everyman's library editions of classic writings and I am happy to add this volume to my collection. As usual, this is well presented and solid in format. It comes with the beautiful cover, the nice silk ribbon for the bookmark, the informative introduction to Edmund Burke and the chronological timeline of the writer (all elements common in Everyman editions). I recommend that you read Robert Moore's review of this volume which is an incredibly accurate and informative review of this volume. I could not say it better than he did.