James Mill: Political Writings (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) [Paperback]

James Mill (Author), Terence Ball (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 1992 | Series: Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought

James Mill (1773-1836) is today best known as Jeremy Bentham's chief disciple and John Stuart Mill's father. Yet Mill himself was a formidable and important Utilitarian thinker in his own right, who earned the respect of even those who disagreed with him. His range was enormous (historian, political philosopher, psychologist, educational theorist, and economist), repeatedly crossing the disciplinary boundaries we take for granted today. This volume presents a wide sampling of Mill's political writings and polemical essays. It begins with his classic work, the Essay on Government, it also includes pieces on the protection of rights, the importance of education, the free press, the secret ballot, and government's use of punishment against those who violate the rights of fellow citizens. The collection concludes with Macauley's famous critique of the Essay, and Mill's heretofore unnoticed reply in his Fragment on Mackintosh (1835). This is the first time that such a selection of Mill's political works has appeared as one volume.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Best known as Jeremy Bentham's chief disciple and John Stuart Mill's father, James Mill (1773-1836) was a formidable and important Utilitarian thinker in his own right. This volume presents a wide sampling of his political writings and polemical essays.

Product Details

• Paperback: 356 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (February 28, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521387485
• ISBN-13: 978-0521387484
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,285,387 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There is a wealth of knowledge here!, February 8, 2004

By 

Kevin Currie-Knight "Education Grad Student" (Newark, Delaware) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Jefferson: Political Writings (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Paperback)

I've just about comlpleted my graduate study, and being the smart fellow that I am, am past the point of elevating the founders (or anyone else for that matter)to demagogue status. Still, Jefferson is certainly one of the most brilliant people who'se ever put pen to parchment, and this book will show you why.

Broken into sections on such topics as the Virginia constitution, the US constitution, religious liberty, and slavery, this edition assembles Jefferson's personal letters, bills in the virginia legislature, excerpts from his autobiography and even presidential addresses. Put together, they give us a great chunk of Jeffersonaian thought (libertarianism, anti-federalism, republicanism) and even insights into his personal life (yes, "dialogue between the head and the heart" is here; Peronally, I like reading that one aloud).

The only criticisms I have are that the editing could've used a little alacrity. In that most of the items herein are personal letters which refer to specific historical events, persons, and goings on, the editors lack of introductory paragraphs, guiding footnotes, or references is a glaring omission. Now, I've studied most of the events and had only marginal trouble filling in details, but I pity she who has not read Jefferson before trying to make sense of the contexts without which the letters lose at least a bit of importance. Long and short: if you're familiar with Jefferson in detail, this is a great read. If not, read a good biography first.

(Before I go, I should point out that for those used to the dry style of Jefferson's autobiography and "Notes on Virginia", his letters are so much more pleasent to read. He is terse, vivacious, and quite informal, by contrast. Don't let memories of late night slogs through "Notes on Virginia" dissuade you from this collection.)

What are you standing there for? Procure this volume for your illustrious and most magnificent library!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Compelation of Jefferson's Writings, January 27, 2003

By 

G. F Gori "Jeffersonian libertarian" (Manteca, ca United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jefferson: Political Writings (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) (Paperback)

This is a really a great collection of Thomas Jefferson's views on liberty, slavery,democratic government, social policy in a republic, education, etc. Forget all of the "interpretations" or "revisionist" histories by professional historians, instead pick up this book and read about one of the greatest philosophers of human liberty and democracy. Reading Jefferson in his original words without the personal views of the historical crowd really brings out his true vision for a great republic. A great buy.