Enlightenment and Despair: A History of Modern Political Thought

Geoffrey Hawthorn's magisterial history of political thought is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the development of modern political ideas.

Spanning the period from the Renaissance to the present, Hawthorn's book offers a comprehensive and insightful account of the major thinkers and ideas that have shaped our political world.

From the Renaissance to the Enlightenment

The book begins with a discussion of the Renaissance, a period of great intellectual and cultural ferment that saw the rise of humanism and the rediscovery of classical learning. These developments laid the foundation for the Enlightenment, a period of unprecedented intellectual progress that saw the emergence of modern science, philosophy, and political thought.

Hawthorn discusses the major Enlightenment thinkers, including Locke, Hume, Rousseau, and Voltaire, and their contributions to our understanding of human nature, society, and government. He also explores the impact of the Enlightenment on the American and French Revolutions, two of the most important political events in modern history.

The Age of Romanticism

The book then turns to the Age of Romanticism, a period of reaction against the Enlightenment that saw the rise of new political ideologies, such as nationalism, liberalism, and socialism. Hawthorn discusses the major Romantic thinkers, including Burke, Hegel, and Marx, and their contributions to our understanding of politics.

He also explores the impact of Romanticism on the revolutions of 1848, which swept across Europe and led to the establishment of new democratic governments.

The Modern Age

The book concludes with a discussion of the modern age, a period of great political upheaval and change. Hawthorn discusses the major political ideologies of the modern age, including fascism, communism, and democracy, and their impact on world politics.

He also explores the challenges facing democracy in the 21st century, including the rise of populism, the decline of trust in government, and the increasing inequality.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Political Thought

Enlightenment and Despair is a magisterial history of political thought that is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the development of modern political ideas.

Hawthorn's book is a comprehensive and insightful account of the major thinkers and ideas that have shaped our political world. It is a must-read for students of political science, history, and philosophy, as well as for anyone interested in the future of democracy.

Why You Should Buy This Book

If you are interested in understanding the development of modern political thought, then you need to read Enlightenment and Despair. This book is a comprehensive and insightful account of the major thinkers and ideas that have shaped our political world. It is a must-read for students of political science, history, and philosophy, as well as for anyone interested in the future of democracy.

Here are a few reasons why you should buy this book:

• It is a comprehensive and insightful account of the development of modern political thought.
• It covers a wide range of thinkers and ideas, from the Renaissance to the present.
• It is written by a leading scholar in the field of political thought.
• It is a must-read for students of political science, history, and philosophy.
• It is also a great read for anyone interested in the future of democracy.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn about the development of modern political thought. Order your copy of Enlightenment and Despair today!