The Enlightenment of the 18th century was not only a crucial epoch, a sea-change in human history - it was also a vast moral, scientific and political movement. Intellectuals across Europe and the New World linked up in networks of friendship, projects and debates, and began to free themselves of the authority of the church and find a sense of their own vocation, a calling to rethink the world in secular terms. This volume shows how the leading thinkers of the movement believed that by means of scientific endeavour the essential order of nature could be systematically explained, its processes could be mastered and all of its secrets revealed. The book focuses on three of the giants of the Enlightenment - Voltaire, Diderot, Adam Smith, Samuel Johnson, Immanuel Kant, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jeffeson.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Book Gets a Standing Ovation!,
By Cynthia (Las Cruces, NM United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Introducing The Enlightenment (Paperback)
This little gem of a book is chock full of facts, personages, and events contained within the marvellous phenomenon known as The Enlightenment. It could rightfully be considered an encyclopedia of sorts. The book begins with the first stirrings of the Enlightenment (17th century), and ends with the French Revolution. In between is a treasure trove of information, with all subjects brought into discussion adequately addressed. If you are curious about the Enlightenment, if you have a scholastic assignment pertaining to same, or if you (like myself) need a solid yet entertaining beginner's stepping-stone to further Enlightenment studies then THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. By far the best in the "Introducing" series published by Icon/Totem. The author made only one mistake in the book: A section entitled "The End of the Enlightenment." To the contrary -- the Enlightenment is still alive! Long live the Enlightenment!
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Quite enlightening - pity about the pictures,
By Peter Reeve (Thousand Oaks, CA USA) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
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This review is from: Introducing The Enlightenment (Paperback)
One of the benefits of this series of books is that the illustrations give you an idea of what the protagonists looked like. From Krauze's drawings we learn that the thinkers of the Enlightenment were all misshapen freaks with a strong family resemblance.
The text, on the other hand, is very good. It gives the bare facts necessary for a framework for further study, plus some valuable insights such as placing the roots of the movement in England's Glorious Revolution of 1688. Names, dates and book titles are all here to give you a concise, solid introduction to the movement. There may well be better books out there at the price, covering similar ground, but this is a painless introduction, with enough facts to be worth keeping for reference. It would have been so much better if the illustrations had contributed rather than detracted.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Useful comic book introduction to the Enlightement.,
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This review is from: Introducing The Enlightenment (Paperback)
For a book that contains equal parts text and illustration, INTRODUCING THE ENLIGHTENMENT is surprisingly helpful. There is perhaps no better place to look for a better initial orientation to the main figures and ideas of the Enlightenment. One will definitely want to read other, deeper books about the era after this one, but this is an excellent starting point.
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