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This book provides a comprehensive survey of Edmund Burke's historical thought, a neglected area of both Burke scholarship and historiography. Ranging from Burke's general conception of history to his accounts of English, European, American, Irish and Asian-Muslim history, this book offers much-needed depth and context to his political life. Sora Sato illuminates Burke's ideas on civilisation and world order with careful analysis of both his well-known historical concepts, such as the ancient constitution of England and the spirit of chivalry, as well as his lesser-known opinions on war and the military. Written with clarity and precision, this book is an invaluable reference for scholars of Burke, early modern European history and political philosophy.
List of contents
1. Introduction.- 2. English History: Conquest, Antiquity and National Spirit.- 3. European History: Vigour, Enthusiasm and Principles.- 4. The History of the Americas: The Spread and Transformation of 'Europe'.- 5. Irish History: Antiquity, Conquest and Incomplete Liberty.- 6. The History of Asian-Muslim Nations: 'The Garden of Eden'?.- 7. Conclusion: Burke and History.
About the author
Sora Sato is Lecturer in the Faculty of Economics at Toyo University, Japan.
Summary
This book provides a comprehensive survey of Edmund Burke's historical thought, a neglected area of both Burke scholarship and historiography. Ranging from Burke's general conception of history to his accounts of English, European, American, Irish and Asian-Muslim history, this book offers much-needed depth and context to his political life. Sora Sato illuminates Burke's ideas on civilisation and world order with careful analysis of both his well-known historical concepts, such as the ancient constitution of England and the spirit of chivalry, as well as his lesser-known opinions on war and the military. Written with clarity and precision, this book is an invaluable reference for scholars of Burke, early modern European history and political philosophy.
Additional text
“Sato’s study is successful in grounding long-discussed concepts of Burke’s social and political thought—from his ideas on conquest and chivalry to free trade and ancient constitutionalism in the larger historiographical debates of the Enlightenment, and doing so in a way that opens up new avenues for research. … it is a fine addition to a vibrant discipline and to Burkean studies as a whole.” (Xandra Bello, Studies in Burke and His Time, Vol. 29, 2020)
Report
"Sato's study is successful in grounding long-discussed concepts of Burke's social and political thought-from his ideas on conquest and chivalry to free trade and ancient constitutionalism in the larger historiographical debates of the Enlightenment, and doing so in a way that opens up new avenues for research. ... it is a fine addition to a vibrant discipline and to Burkean studies as a whole." (Xandra Bello, Studies in Burke and His Time, Vol. 29, 2020)
