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Edmund Burke: The First Conservative Hardcover – May 21, 2013

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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Basic Books; 1St Edition edition (May 21, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0465058973
  • ISBN-13: 978-0465058976
  • Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.1 x 9.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #232,580 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsA new approach to democracy & politics?
By Sheppard's Pie on May 12, 2013
Format: Hardcover
[ASIN:0465058973 Edmund Burke: The First Conservative]] Irish by birth, Edmund Burke was a renowned English Parliamentarian and above all friend and supporter of the founders of our Nation. This new biography by current British Parliamentarian, Jesse Norman, is an engaging story told at a brisk and page turning pace. You feel that if you met Burke today it would be an enjoyable encounter - especially if you like robust debate.
The second half shows how Burke's 18th century observations and profound thinking on humankind, politics and the exercise of power can provide a blueprint, on both sides of the Atlantic, for the wellbeing and good governance of 21st century society.
An engaging and compelling argument that is very well worth a read. A must for anyone who is interested in politics and more importantly values democracy.
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe Good Politician
By Christian Schlect VINE VOICE on May 18, 2013
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this book. It is both an intelligent summary of the life of Edmund Burke and an analysis of this great man's significant and continuing impact on political theory. It should be in the hands and heads of all (whether conservative or liberal) who aspire to political careers, as well as those who are simply interested in exploring the theoretical underpinnings of well-governed nations.

That the author, Mr. Norman, is a working politician in Great Britain makes this effort all the better. He has produced a thoughtful, well-written book without the tiresome jargon of the academic.

Here one is reminded of the valuable role of party in governance, the need for balance when seeking political change, and the importance of society for the individual.

I especially liked an explanatory passage (p. 233-236) citing Abraham Lincoln as "the very model of a Burkean political leader."
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5.0 out of 5 starsA Fine and Helpful Introduction to Burke's Thought
By John Mccarthy on July 27, 2013
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
Edmund Burke was not a philosopher, nor was he a systematic thinker. Rather, he was a politician whose perceptions and observations arose in and emerged from the specific political issues in which he was engaged.

It is these perceptions and observations, rather than the particular issues that engaged him, that have stood the test of time, and whose relevance continues to be of import today.

Burke was a staunch defender of and advocate for social and political order who placed significant weight on customs, traditions, and sentiment. As such, he was an intrepid opponent of tyrannies from any quarter that had no respect for the traditions, customs, affections and sentiments of ordinary men and women. Consequently, on the one hand, he thought that the French Revolution was an abomination while, on the other hand, he despised the role of his own country in attempting to put down the American Revolution as well as its role in attempting to subjugate Ireland and the Indian subcontinent.

In the end, Burke was an advocate for the social and political values of the 'small platoons,' the lesser social groupings - the family, the clubs, the churches and local organizations - rather than the state.

For all of us today who still prize these 'small platoons' and who feel them threatened by Leviathon, Burke continues to be a spokesman for values that we hold dear. Now, more than ever.

Jesse Norman, the author of this book, and himself a politician, has written a fine and helpful introduction to Burke's life and thought.
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5.0 out of 5 starsBurke on Political Parties and Statesmanship
By Samuel J. Sharp on June 29, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Jesse Norman is a British MP and philosophy professor seeking "to do for Edmund Burke what others have done for Adam Smith . . . to recognize him publicly as one of the seminal thinkers in the present age." This probably seems an easy objective to readers in America, where Burke maintains a prominent and durable place in the conservative intellectual tradition. Indeed, anyone who has already read Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France" or Russell Kirk's summary of Burke in "The Conservative Mind" might want for new material from Norman's effort.

The book is organized into two parts, Life and Thought, but the distinction between them is not very drastic. Norman still discusses Burke's intellectual development during the biographical first part so this section is still essential reading even for those already familiar with Burke's life. Despite the subtitle, the argument that Burke is the first conservative is only taken up in the last few pages, and even then not with much vigor.

Where the book adds new value is in Norman's application of Burke's thinking on political parties and statesmanship to modern times. This is ground not extensively covered in other books on Burke, and Norman makes a persuasive case that there is much to learn when Burke is removed from the tired left versus right debate and instead allowed to speak on the model politician's proper exercise of his craft. Burke's argument for cautious, narrow reform rooted in experience and the temper of the public is well discussed. But Norman goes a step further and demonstrates why this approach is necessary given Burke's recognition of the limits of individual liberalism and the intricate, mysterious workings of society.Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsExcellent overview of the impact of Burke's writing

Excellent overview of the impact of Burke's writing, oratory, and other facets of his life on political thought. Read more

Published 2 months ago by James J. Blaha
4.0 out of 5 starsFour Stars

Good read, Interesting man and story. Quite detailed. Interesting connection with the Americas, trade amd slavery.

Published 5 months ago by Phil
4.0 out of 5 starsThere is such a thing as society...

There have been at least three editions of this biography since it was first published in 2013, each with a different subtitle: The Visionary Who Invented Modern Politics; The... Read more

Published 5 months ago by FictionFan
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

great condition

Published 13 months ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsFight to the end

Very good read. An American supporter for freedom

Published 13 months ago by Margaret Lee Scott
4.0 out of 5 starsdecent

Gave a lot of insight versus other contemporary philosophers. Offered great historical background and how some of his ideas were formulated.

Published 18 months ago by Brendan
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

GOOD

Published 18 months ago by Curtis Ackeret
4.0 out of 5 starsFour Stars

A great mind explored...if only it were required reading for all politicians

Published 19 months ago by rai cowboy
5.0 out of 5 starsThe Value of the Social Self as Protection from the Abuse of Power

Edmund Burke (1729-1797) was a British statesman whose opposition to the abuse of power led him to author several works of political philosophy whose influence is still being felt. Read more

Published 19 months ago by Edward A. Schroder
2.0 out of 5 starsOverblown, but well tried

Overdoes it a bit. But he was good on the French Revolution.

Published 20 months ago by Bob of gulf point

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