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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent example of late 19th century historiography,
By A Customer
This review is from: History of Freedom, and Other Essays (Hardcover)
Perhaps better known for the famous quote of how "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This work by Lord Acton is an excellent example of Europe's finest late 19th century political/historical intellectual.Acton's assertions are often dated due to the age within which he lived, but his perceptive views are worth investigating. Unfortunately Acton never wrote a single full volume of history. All that we have from Acton are compilations of his lectures, essays, and smaller works. The above such title being an example. The most interesting essay for American readers is Acton's essay on the American Revolution. A well read novice will be able to understand Acton's thesis, though his language can be somewhat difficult at times. The most fascinating aspect of this essay is Acton's assertion that America will degenerate into a "barbarous" nation unless America's black population is segregated to another country. Acton did not live long enough to see America's burgeoning civil rights movements, and was obliged to see America from the standpoint of post-Reconstruction America. The only reason I graded this work short of "10" is due to the language. Besides being fluent in five languages, Acton was an awe inspiring intellectual, and sometimes his prose reflects his intellectualism, thereyby sacrificing some readability. John R. Grac |
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History of Freedom, and Other Essays by Baron John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton Acton (Hardcover - June 1907)
Used & New from: $416.03
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