The Quotable Bertrand Russell [Paperback]

Lee Eisler (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1993

Renowned mathematician, philosopher, and humanist Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) wrote and spoke extensively on a broad range of topics. He left behind a record of over eighty books, countless magazine and newspaper articles, and many television and radio interviews. A staunch opponent of increasing militarisation, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the U.S. role in Vietnam, Russell is considered by many to be the most influential social critic and political activist of the twentieth century. In 1950, Russell received the Nobel Prize for Literature in recognition of those writings meant for 'ordinary citizens'.As the Nobel Committee aptly put it: 'Russell has so extensively addressed his books to a public of laymen, and, in so doing, has been eminently successful in keeping alive an interest in general philosophy. His whole life's work is a stimulating defence of the reality of common sense'. In "The Quotable Bertrand Russell", Lee Eisler has combed the whole of Russell's work to gather his comments and reactions to important social issues, political questions, and heated debates on morals and religion. Russell's views - iconoclastic, humorous, but always enlightening - are formulated as answers to specific questions. Organised alphabetically by topic for ease of reference, it's provocative, it's exciting, it's the very best of Russell.

Product Details

• Paperback: 235 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879757280
• ISBN-13: 978-0879757281
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 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: #1,224,207 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970). Philosopher, mathematician, educational and sexual reformer, pacifist, prolific letter writer, author and columnist, Bertrand Russell was one of the most influential and widely known intellectual figures of the twentieth century. In 1950 he was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature in 1950 for his extensive contributions to world literature and for his "rationality and humanity, as a fearless champion of free speech and free thought in the West."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic guide to the ideas and thoughts of a great philosopher, August 31, 2009

By 

Joseph J. Truncale "warriorwriter" (Vernon Hills, Il) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Quotable Bertrand Russell (Paperback)

Even though I do not agree with this philosopher's stand on war and socialism; nevertheless, as a free thinking individual, I appreciate Mr. Russell's genius and sharp wit. This 336 page tome covers a wide range of material with detailed comments on numerous topics. This book is organized in such a way that makes it a great read. Just look up the topic and it gives you the page number of the quote. This book has taken the comments and quotations from a wide variety of Russell's writings. Some of the topics include: Aggression, America, Anarchy. Anti-Semitism, Artistotle, Asia, belief, religion, books, courage, death, democracy, economics, and numerous other topics. This short review cannot do justice to this very interesting and informative book.

In conclusion, This book is for anyone who has an intellectual curiousity.

Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Never Trust a Politician).

4 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Unique Russell, October 12, 2000

By 

Dmitry Matveyev (St. Louis, Missouri USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Quotable Bertrand Russell (Paperback)

Anti-catholic, pro-jewish, and maybe the most important brain of our corrupt, insane, and bygone 20th century, Russell speaks for a generation that is starting to realize certain inviolable truths vital to the continuation of mankind. Doomed as we are, cynical as I am, and one-hundred per cent correct Russell is when stating human nature is actually corrigible. For when this aspect is fixed, and humans will no longer emulate quasi-virus patterns and replicate wars over and over, only then can Russell be judged as right or wrong regarding the fate of man. What is peace? What is war? What is knowledge? I consider Russell the king of intellectual snobs.