The Intellectual Passions: Power, Politics, and the Emotions in the Age of Enlightenment

By Elisabeth Badinter

In her groundbreaking book, "The Intellectual Passions: Power, Politics, and the Emotions in the Age of Enlightenment," Elisabeth Badinter offers a new perspective on the Enlightenment, arguing that it was not only a time of reason and rationality, but also of intense emotions and passions. Badinter draws on a wide range of sources, including letters, diaries, and political pamphlets, to show how the passions played a crucial role in shaping the political and intellectual landscape of the eighteenth century.

The Passions and the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment is often seen as a time of reason and rationality, when the old order was swept away by the forces of progress and science. However, Badinter argues that the passions were just as important as reason in shaping the Enlightenment. She shows how the passions of anger, fear, and hope fueled the revolutionary fervor of the French Revolution, and how the desire for power and glory drove the ambitions of many of the leading figures of the Enlightenment.

The Role of Women in the Enlightenment

Badinter also explores the role of women in the Enlightenment, arguing that they were not simply passive observers, but active participants in the intellectual and political debates of the time. She shows how women used their passions to challenge the traditional patriarchal order and to fight for their own rights.

A New Perspective on the Enlightenment

"The Intellectual Passions" is a major work of scholarship that offers a new perspective on the Enlightenment. Badinter's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of ideas, the history of women, or the history of the French Revolution.

Praise for "The Intellectual Passions"

"A brilliant and original work that will change the way we think about the Enlightenment." - Simon Schama

"A magisterial work of scholarship that is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of ideas." - Robert Darnton

"A fascinating and provocative book that challenges many of our traditional assumptions about the Enlightenment." - Joan B. Landes

Why You Should Read "The Intellectual Passions"

"The Intellectual Passions" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of ideas, the history of women, or the history of the French Revolution. Badinter's book is a brilliant and original work that offers a new perspective on the Enlightenment. It is a book that will change the way you think about the past.

Order Your Copy Today!

"The Intellectual Passions" is available now at your local bookstore or online. Order your copy today and start your journey into the passionate world of the Enlightenment.