Introducing Enlightenment [Paperback]

Lloyd Spencer (Author), Andrzej Krauze (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Introducing | Publication Date: July 20, 1993

In the 18th century, ground-breaking discoveries in science bought about a vast moral, scientific and political upheaval, in which the age-old authority of the church was challenged. It was thought that by means of scientific endeavor, the essential order of Nature could be systematically explained, its processes mastered and its secrets revealed, to enable man to explain the world and change it for the better. This book explains the background and implications of this momentous age. It examines three "giants" of the Enlightenment - Voltaire, Diderot and Rousseau - and also looks at David Hume, Adam Smith, Samuel Johnson, Immanuel Kant, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Totem Books (July 20, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1874166560
• ISBN-13: 978-1874166566
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,635,143 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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!, February 21, 2002

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, January 16, 2005

By 

Peter Reeve (Thousand Oaks, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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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., January 14, 2003

By 

Mark I. Vuletic (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
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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.