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Enlightenment: Britain and the creation of the modern world Hardcover – January 1, 2000

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

It is almost impossible to encapsulate briefly the range and variety contained in Roy Porter's major new book. For generations the focus for those wishing to understand the roots of the modern world has been France on the eve of the Revolution. Porter certainly acknowledges France's importance, but makes an overwhelming, fascinating case for considering Britain the "true" home of modernity - a country driven by an exuberance, diversity and power of invention comparable only to 20th-century America. Porter immerses the reader in a society which, recovering from the horrors of the Civil War and decisively reinvigorated by the revolution of 1688, had emerged as something new and extraordinary - a society unlike any other in the world. This explosion of activity left no one unchanged and created a society with many of the values we recognize and value today - sceptical, pleasure-obsessed, garrulous, innovative, meritocratic. This book's cast includes many of the most engaging and attractive writers and conversationalists that ever lived and the host of great figures who cross these pages, from Newton and Locke to Burke and Wollstonecraft, are brought to life by Porter. As an introduction to a unqiuely appealing world, "Enlightenment" could not be bettered and as an arrangement for Britain's central importance in catapulting the world into the modern era (for better and for worse) it is both compelling and entertaining.
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Allen Lane (January 1, 2000)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 752 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0713991526
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0713991529
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.83 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.77 x 9.53 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

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Roy Porter
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4.4 out of 5 stars
36 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2013
    Porter presents a clear and reasonably concise history of the contribution to the European enlightenment from the British Isles with, a depth of knowledge and flowing prose which is never dull.
    The contributions of the main proponents, Scots, David Hume and Adam Smith are given the appropriate coverage with their philosophies and resultant universal impact explained in an adroit manner.
    The philosophies of these two men had a major impact on the American founding fathers' writing of their constitution and are still as relevant today as they were over 200 years ago.

    The more perceptive amongst us may perhaps believe that the time has come for a second enlightenment wherein those who today would try to return us to the fear of non-existent supernatural entities or a belief in the divine rights of kings or dictators are ridiculed and dismissed.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2013
    Extremely boring book. I'm only reading it for a class I'm taking. I suppose it could be worse though. Definitely not a for fun read, also uses some language in English (UK) spelling versus American English, which can be a little confusing.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Remove
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating but hard going in places
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 14, 2017
    Perhaps if I was more familiar with the history of the period - Civil War to end of 18th century- I'd have coped better. The book is erudite and Porter is clearly a master of the subject but I'd have liked more context though chapter 2 provides useful background.
    Many of the explanations are compressed and cross reference are rather vague. There are many references to -isms and schools of thought and Christianity but they are inadequately defined, if at all.

    Despite these severe reservations, the subject matter is fascinating and the many references in the text to other books provides a route to better understanding. The book is astonishing in its erudition, vocabulary and intellectual brilliance. Porte is a master of his subject.
  • R. Clark
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Erudite and fascinating read.
    Reviewed in Germany on October 20, 2017
    Erudite and full of fascinating observations. An excellent read. Porter manages to convey a great deal of insight into a long and complex chain of philosophical and political insights without sacrificing readability.
  • Harry Donaghy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2014
    Very pleased with this addition to my home library!
    Thank you seller.
    Harry
  • John Hopkins
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enlightened
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2014
    An interesting book which illustrates well that our much-vaunted present-day Christian heritage is actually in my new estimation, the oppressive Christianity of up to about 1750 then heavily modified by the Enlightenment (which flourished particularly in Scotland) to become Post-Christian (all praise to Rowan Williams).
    Porter's vocabulary is/was clearly about four times wider than my own and I struggled (pleasurably) with his text in nearly every sentence.
    Overall, using stamina, a very enjoyable and enlightening read.
  • A.Nicklin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2014
    replacement for lost copy.