Burke By: John Morley (1838-1923)
Burke by John Morley is an exceptionally well-researched and insightful biography that delves deep into the life and political philosophy of one of the most influential figures in 18th-century British politics, Edmund Burke. Morley's narrative style is engaging, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the complex world of 18th-century British politics and the intellectual journey of one of its key thinkers. The book begins by providing a comprehensive background of Burke's early life, contextualizing his upbringing and education within the broader social and political landscape of the time. Morley delves into Burke's formative years, exploring his early political inclinations and his gradual transition towards a more conservative worldview. Throughout the book, Morley skillfully uncovers the intellectual journey that shaped Burke's political philosophy. He meticulously examines the various historical events and debates that influenced Burke's thought process, covering a wide range of topics such as the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and British imperialism. Morley's in-depth analysis allows readers to understand the subtle nuances and complexities of Burke's ideas. What sets Morley's biography apart is his ability to present Burke as a multidimensional figure. Rather than simply glorifying or vilifying him, Morley offers readers a nuanced portrayal of Burke's character, acknowledging both his virtues and flaws. He carefully examines Burke's personal life, providing a glimpse into the challenges and tragedies he faced, which further humanizes this influential statesman. Morley's research is impeccable, drawing from a vast array of primary and secondary sources. His attention to detail is evident throughout the book, ensuring that readers are presented with a comprehensive and accurate account of Burke's life and thought. Furthermore, Morley includes extensive footnotes and references, inviting readers to delve deeper into the subject and explore additional sources if they wish. One minor criticism of the book is that at times, Morley's writing can be dense and overly academic, which may deter some casual readers. However, for those with a genuine interest in political philosophy and 18th-century British history, this will be seen as a minor drawback rather than a significant flaw. Overall, Burke by John Morley is a masterfully crafted biography that offers a rich and nuanced exploration of Edmund Burke's life and political philosophy. Morley's extensive research, thoughtful analysis, and compelling narrative make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the ideas and influences that shaped one of the most important political thinkers of his time. First Page: BURKE BY JOHN MORLEY London MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 1907 Printed 1888. Reprinted 1892, 1897, 1902, 1907 ( A Library Edition, of the book published in the "English Men of Letters Series ) NOTE The present writer published a study on Burke some twenty years ago. It was almost entirely critical, and in no sense a narrative. The volume that is now submitted to my readers first appeared in the series of English Men of Letters . It is biographical rather than critical, and not more than about a score of pages have been reproduced in it from the earlier book. Three pages have been inserted from an article on Burke contributed by me to the new edition of the Encyclopoedia Britannica ; and I have to thank Messrs. Black for the great courtesy with which they have allowed me to transcribe the passage here. These borrowings from my former self, the reader will perhaps be willing to excuse, on the old Greek principle that a man may once say a thing as he would have it said, [Greek: dis de ouk endechetai] he can hardly say it twice. J.M. 1888. CONTENTS CHAPTER I EARLY LIFE AND FIRST WRITINGS CHAPTER II IN IRELAND PARLIAMENT BEACONSFIELD CHAPTER III THE CONSTITUTIONAL STRUGGLE CHAPTER IV THE ROCKINGHAM PARTY PARIS ELECTION AT BRISTOL THE AMERICAN WAR CHAPTER V ECONOMICAL REFORM BURKE IN OFFICE FALL OF HIS PARTY CHAPTER VI BURKE AND HIS FRIENDS CHAPTER VII THE NEW MINISTRY WARREN HASTINGS BURKE'S PUBLIC POSITION CHAPTER VIII THE FRENCH REVOLUTION CHAPTER IX BURKE AND HIS PARTY PROGRESS OF THE REVOLUTION IRELAND LAST YEARS CHAPTER X BURKE'S LITERARY CHARACTER BURKE CHAPTER I EARLY LIFE, AND FIRST WRITINGS It will soon be a hundred and twenty years since Burke first took his seat, in the House of Commons, and it is eighty five years since his voice ceased to be heard there... Continue reading book >>

Burke By: John Morley (1838-1923)

Burke by John Morley is an exceptionally well-researched and insightful biography that delves deep into the life and political philosophy of one of the most influential figures in 18th-century British politics, Edmund Burke. Morley's narrative style is engaging, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the complex world of 18th-century British politics and the intellectual journey of one of its key thinkers.

The book begins by providing a comprehensive background of Burke's early life, contextualizing his upbringing and education within the broader social and political landscape of the time. Morley delves into Burke's formative years, exploring his early political inclinations and his gradual transition towards a more conservative worldview.

Throughout the book, Morley skillfully uncovers the intellectual journey that shaped Burke's political philosophy. He meticulously examines the various historical events and debates that influenced Burke's thought process, covering a wide range of topics such as the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and British imperialism. Morley's in-depth analysis allows readers to understand the subtle nuances and complexities of Burke's ideas.

What sets Morley's biography apart is his ability to present Burke as a multidimensional figure. Rather than simply glorifying or vilifying him, Morley offers readers a nuanced portrayal of Burke's character, acknowledging both his virtues and flaws. He carefully examines Burke's personal life, providing a glimpse into the challenges and tragedies he faced, which further humanizes this influential statesman.

Morley's research is impeccable, drawing from a vast array of primary and secondary sources. His attention to detail is evident throughout the book, ensuring that readers are presented with a comprehensive and accurate account of Burke's life and thought. Furthermore, Morley includes extensive footnotes and references, inviting readers to delve deeper into the subject and explore additional sources if they wish.

One minor criticism of the book is that at times, Morley's writing can be dense and overly academic, which may deter some casual readers. However, for those with a genuine interest in political philosophy and 18th-century British history, this will be seen as a minor drawback rather than a significant flaw.

Overall, Burke by John Morley is a masterfully crafted biography that offers a rich and nuanced exploration of Edmund Burke's life and political philosophy. Morley's extensive research, thoughtful analysis, and compelling narrative make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the ideas and influences that shaped one of the most important political thinkers of his time.

First Page:

BURKE

JOHN MORLEY

London

MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED

NEW YORK: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

1907

Printed 1888. Reprinted 1892, 1897, 1902, 1907

( A Library Edition, of the book published in the "English Men of Letters Series )

NOTE

The present writer published a study on Burke some twenty years ago. It was almost entirely critical, and in no sense a narrative. The volume that is now submitted to my readers first appeared in the series of English Men of Letters . It is biographical rather than critical, and not more than about a score of pages have been reproduced in it from the earlier book. Three pages have been inserted from an article on Burke contributed by me to the new edition of the Encyclopoedia Britannica ; and I have to thank Messrs. Black for the great courtesy with which they have allowed me to transcribe the passage here. These borrowings from my former self, the reader will perhaps be willing to excuse, on the old Greek principle that a man may once say a thing as he would have it said, [Greek: dis de ouk endechetai] he can hardly say it twice.

J.M.

1888.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

EARLY LIFE AND FIRST WRITINGS

CHAPTER II

IN IRELAND PARLIAMENT BEACONSFIELD

CHAPTER III

THE CONSTITUTIONAL STRUGGLE

CHAPTER IV

THE ROCKINGHAM PARTY PARIS ELECTION AT BRISTOL THE AMERICAN WAR

CHAPTER V

ECONOMICAL REFORM BURKE IN OFFICE FALL OF HIS PARTY

CHAPTER VI

BURKE AND HIS FRIENDS

CHAPTER VII

THE NEW MINISTRY WARREN HASTINGS BURKE'S PUBLIC POSITION

CHAPTER VIII

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

CHAPTER IX

BURKE AND HIS PARTY PROGRESS OF THE REVOLUTION IRELAND LAST YEARS

CHAPTER X

BURKE'S LITERARY CHARACTER

BURKE

CHAPTER I

EARLY LIFE, AND FIRST WRITINGS

It will soon be a hundred and twenty years since Burke first took his seat, in the House of Commons, and it is eighty five years since his voice ceased to be heard there... Continue reading book >>

eBook links
Wikipedia – John Morley
Wikipedia – Burke

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac