Description

Rating: Not rated

Tags: History of Ideas, Lang:en

Summary

"Introducing The Enlightenment" is the essential guide to the giants of the Enlightenment - Voltaire, Diderot, Adam Smith, Samuel Johnson, Immanuel Kant, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. The Enlightenment of the 18th century was a crucial time in human history - a vast moral, scientific and political movement, the work of intellectuals across Europe and the New World, who began to free themselves from despotism, bigotry and superstition and tried to change the world. "Introducing The Enlightenment" is a clear and accessible introduction to the leading thinkers of the age, the men and women who believed that rational endeavour could reveal the secrets of the universe.

**

From School Library Journal

Grade 10 Up?This is not a cursory overview of 18th-century Europe; rather, it is a skillful introduction to the individuals, events, accomplishments, and concepts that defined the age. Readers new to this series might be fooled by the relatively small amount of text and the pen-and-ink drawings on every page. The format, however, is designed to make a rather formidable subject less intimidating and more appealing. A new topic is introduced on every page or two, such as "The Philosophes" or "Rousseau's Challenge." Each entry is succinctly explained, often with accompanying quotes, and is illustrated. Important names, words, and phrases are in boldface. Keeping track of the various concepts and the beliefs and accomplishments of numerous individuals can be confusing, and there is no index to help readers refresh their memories as they move through the complex interrelationships. Nevertheless, the material is presented in a straightforward, engaging style that remains interesting and informative throughout.?Marilyn Heath, Greenwood High School, SC
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Lloyd Spencer: Lloyd Spencer is Senior Lecturer in the School of Media at Trinity and All Saints, a college of the University of Leeds. He has written Introducing the Enlightenment and a biographical study of Walter Benjamin.

Andrzej Krauze: Andrzej Krauze is a cartoonist and illustrator whose work is published regularly in the Guardian, the New Statesman, and the Sunday Telegraph.