Joseph Priestley: A Comet in the System [Paperback]

John R. Clark (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 253 pages
• Publisher: John Ruskin Clark (February 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962425206
• ISBN-13: 978-0962425202
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,626,632 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4.0 out of 5 stars influential in his time, October 27, 2007

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Joseph Priestley: A Comet in the System (Paperback)

Scarcely remembered today, Priestley was considered one of the most influential thinkers of the 18th century. Clark has seen fit to give us a recounting of Priestley and his works. There is the development of philosophical and social views. Much perhaps uncontroversial today. But in Priestley's day, his public ruminations against the British government were infuriating to many. The book puts this well in the context of the social and political changes roiling Britain. Including the revolt of the American colonies.

There is are explicit tracings of Priestley's views in the formation of the new American government and its constitution. He was as important as John Locke, in his views on man and society.