Rousseau

By Robert Wokler

Book Overview

One of the most profound thinkers of modern history, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) was a central figure of the European Enlightenment. He was also its most formidable critic, condemning the political, economic, theological, and sexual trappings of civilization along lines that would excite the enthusiasm of romantic individualists and radical revolutionaries alike.
In this compact, thought-provoking study of Rousseau's life and works Robert Wokler shows how his philosophy of history, his theories of music and politics, his fiction, educational and religious writings, and even his botany, were all inspired by visionary ideals of mankind's self-realization in a condition of unfettered freedom. He explains how, in regressing to classical republicanism, ancient mythology, direct communion with God, and solitude, Rousseau anticipated some post-modernist rejections of the Enlightenment as well. No other work on Rousseau provieds such a readable introduction to his life and work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192876406
• ISBN13: 9780192876409
• Release Date: April 1995
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.1" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

A practical overview

ALL of the "Very Short Introduction" series offered by Oxford University press are useful, and this is no exception. As a college professor in Humanities, I teach a rolling schedule of courses that cover different periods. Prior to teaching these, I like to review the works of major authors of the periods I will be presenting, as in this case, Rousseau. Each book presents the overview I need to refresh my knowledge, including biographical details and insights on the most important characteristics of their writings and philosophy.