Reveries of the Solitary Walker (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Author), Peter France (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 1980 | ISBN-10: 0140443630 | ISBN-13: 978-0140443639

After a period of forced exile and solitary wandering brought about by his radical views on religion and politics, Jean-Jacques Rousseau returned to Paris in 1770. Here, in the last two years of his life, he wrote his final work, "The Reveries." In this eloquent masterpiece the great political thinker describes his sense of isolation from a society he felt had rejected his writings - and the manner in which he has come to terms with his alienation, as he walks around Paris, gazing at plants, day-dreaming and finding comfort in the virtues of solitude and the natural world. Meditative, amusing and lyrical, this is a fascinating exploration of Rousseau's thought as he looks back over his life, searching to justify his actions, to defend himself against his critics and to elaborate upon his philosophy.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

About the Author

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva in 1712. Abandoned by his father at the age of ten, he left the city in 1728 and from then on wandered Europe, searching for happiness. In 1732 he settled for eight years at Les Charmettes, remembered in his book Confessions. In 1741 he moved to Paris where he met Diderot, in the meantime fathering five children, all of whom he abandoned. His corwning achievement is his work of political philosophy, The Social Contract, which was published in 1762. He died in 1778. Peter France is the author of books on French and Russian literature and has translated widely from both languages.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (February 28, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140443630
• ISBN-13: 978-0140443639
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.4 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Philosophical Solitude, October 17, 2007

By 

Kathleen K. Schenk "Katie" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reveries of the Solitary Walker (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Aristotle said that, in order to lead a solitary life, one would have to be either an animal or a god. Nietzsche added a third alternative: one would have to be a philosopher. The "Reveries" is closely followed by the "Confessions" as my favourite of Rousseau's writings. In it, Rousseau gives reason to doubt that he himself has achieved real solitude in his life (and not just loneliness). It is nevertheless my favourite because it is here that Rousseau presents solitude, not as an escape from the world, but as the most philosophical way of embracing it and of living in it.

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True Wisdom, January 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reveries of the Solitary Walker (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Although regarded as the unscocial misanthropist, it took J.J. Rousseau complete ostracism from society to understand what completes him and creates constant fullfilment in his soul. With eloquent lyrics that beautifully portray his sincere sentiments, this collection of contemplations shows the self-searching rewards evident in solitude and tranquility. His lingering frustration and distrust with humanity hovers over every word, yet it doesn't overshadow the wisdom with which the book permeates. For anyone looking to search deeper within themselves, this book offers great insight to what may help aid in that path for enlightenment.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Philosophical Mutterings, March 17, 2010

By 

GJ Marks (ABQ, NM) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Reveries of the Solitary Walker (Paperback)

I love this thing - I carry it around with me everywhere. If I'm feeling a little bored or in need of wordy inspiration, I pull it out of my backpack and open to whatever page flies out. I also use it to hold bills and other mundane paper goods.