The More Moderate Side of Joseph De Maistre: Views on Political Liberty And Political Economy (Mcgill-Queen's Studies in the History of Ideas) [Hardcover]

Cara Camcastle (Author)

Book Description

Series: Mcgill-Queen's Studies in the History of Ideas | Publication Date: January 2006

The conventional image of French polemicist and diplomat Joseph de Maistre (1753-1821), one of the fathers of European counter-revolutionary and authoritarian conservatism, is that of a proto-fascist who believed in an exalted papacy and a divinely sanctioned monarchy. Cara Camcastle challenges this view, based on Maistre's published works, by considering his unpublished memoirs, memoranda, diplomatic correspondence, and letters. In an analysis of his ideas on political economy, international relations, and domestic politics, Camcastle reveals Maistre to have opposed absolutism and advocated free trade and economic liberalization, placing his views closer to those of moderates such as Montesquieu, Smith, and Burke. The More Moderate Side of Joseph de Maistre expertly contextualizes his work within the historical events and intellectual debates that emerged in the aftermath of the French Revolution. Camcastle sheds new light on Maistre's conception of government as made up of groups in dynamic counterbalance and on aspects of his economic system. Her more complete and balanced picture of Maistre's political writings is accompanied by translations of previously unpublished work that substantiate key points.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Through an original interpretation of Maistre's neglected writings, Camcastle succeeds in significantly revising his unsavoury image." Graeme Garrard, Cardiff University

About the Author

Cara Camcastle holds a Ph.D. in political science, Queen's University, and was a postdoctoral fellow visiting scholar, political science, University of California at Berkeley.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 279 pages
• Publisher: Mcgill Queens Univ Pr (January 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773529764
• ISBN-13: 978-0773529762
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,633,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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