Edmund Burke

Dennis O'Keeffe

Language: English

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: Jan 1, 2010

Description:

Edmund Burke, 1729-1797, was perceived as leading progressive figure until he published his reaction to the French Revolution, Reflections on the Revolution in France, which he wrote as the Revolution unfolded. This volume places Burke in his historical context and carefully sets out the whole of Burke's philosophical contribution. It not only discusses the reception of Burker by his contemporaries, but also the impact of his ideas on politics and policy today.

Review

"An invigorating account that repeatedly places Burke in a context that is relevant for the present day. Written in an accessible style, O'Keeffe's book offers a reading that is at once academic and infused with a powerful moral strain." —Jeremy Black

"The volumes in this timely series comprise the most comprehensive body of material on conservative and libertarian thought yet published in a single project devoted to the subject. The series will prove an indispensable tool not only for those concerned with the history of political thought but also for those who confront the challenging task of constructing a viable contemporary conservative identity. Professor Meadowcroft had a difficult editorial task, to which he has responded with a judicious choice of thinkers and topics." Noel O'Sullivan, Professor of Political Philosophy, the University of Hull, UK.

"In this eminently readable, intellectually stimulating and compact volume Professor Dennis O'Keeffe does an excellent job of introducing us to Edmund Burke, his life and family, the essence of his most notable works, his parliamentary career and manifesto writing and how apparent contradictions in his own life and philosophy are reconciled in his intellectual and political development." -Rodney Atkinson, Fellow at the University of Buckingham

"O'Keeffe is at his best in 'extrapolating' Burke into more recent times...That is what makes it such a joy to read."
-John Clarke, Quadrant

"Never in the field of Burkean studies has so much been said in so few words. -Alex Boot, The Salisbury Review

"For students and scholars, O'Keeffe presents the life and ideas of conservative British thinker Edmund Burke (1729-1797) within historical context. He explains Burke's philosophical contributions to conservative thinking, the reception by his contemporaries, and implications for politics and policy today. Discussion includes his ideas about empire, Ireland and England, relations with North American settlements, India, property, the de-sanctification of humanity, and his opposition to the French Revolution, as well as his many writings, including Reflections on the Revolution in France." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.

"The volumes in this timely series comprise the most comprehensive body of material on conservative and libertarian thought yet published in a single project devoted to the subject. The series will prove an indispensable tool not only for those concerned with the history of political thought but also for those who confront the challenging task of constructing a viable contemporary conservative identity. Professor Meadowcroft had a difficult editorial task, to which he has responded with a judicious choice of thinkers and topics." Noel O'Sullivan, Professor of Political Philosophy, the University of Hull, UK.

"In this eminently readable, intellectually stimulating and compact volume Professor Dennis O’Keeffe does an excellent job of introducing us to Edmund Burke, his life and family, the essence of his most notable works, his parliamentary career and manifesto writing and how apparent contradictions in his own life and philosophy are reconciled in his intellectual and political development." -Rodney Atkinson, Fellow at the University of Buckingham

"O’Keeffe is at his best in 'extrapolating’ Burke into more recent times...That is what makes it such a joy to read."
-John Clarke, Quadrant

"Never in the field of Burkean studies has so much been said in so few words. -Alex Boot, The Salisbury Review

About the Author

Dennis O'Keeffe is Visiting Professor of Sociology at the University of Buckingham, UK.