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Comment: Publisher: William Collins
Date of Publication: 2013
Binding: hardcover
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Description: 9780007489626 1st edn 3rd printing. 8vo. Original gilt lettered red cloth (Fine), dustwrapper (Fine, not price clipped). Pp. 323, illus with b&w plates (no inscriptions).

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Edmund Burke: Philosopher, Politician, Prophet Hardcover – 9 May 2013

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Jesse Norman (Author)
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Jesse Norman (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 34 customer reviews
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Product details

  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: William Collins (9 May 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0007489625
  • ISBN-13: 978-0007489626
  • Product Dimensions: 15.9 x 3.4 x 24 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 226,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Review

‘Jesse Norman has brought back Burke in triumph. This is an overdue reassessment of a politician who was the father of the modern political party, a man who campaigned with equal brio and genius against British exploitation of India and the bloody tyranny of the French Revolution. Anyone who cares about politics will pounce on this book and devour it’ Boris Johnson

‘A must-read for anyone interested in politics and history … Superb’ Matthew D'Ancona, Sunday Telegraph

‘An excellent book, which unites biographical and political insights. The best short biography of Burke for nearly fifty years … and a pleasure to read’ Harvey Mansfield, Professor of Government, Harvard University

‘[Norman] is a subtle historian of ideas. He does an excellent job of extracting from his subject’s speeches and writings why, in his view, Burke is the first and most important conservative thinker’ Charles Moore, Daily Telegraph

‘An intriguing and illuminating picture of the thinker who more than any other exemplifies the contradictions of conservatism’ New Statesman

‘His new book on Edmund Burke seeks to contest the very nature of today’s Tory Party. All power to his elbow … quite brilliantly, Norman … [offers] an immense critique of the present … It is a patriotic tract and an act of great leadership. This is a very significant book’ Independent

‘Personable and thoughtful, [Norman] also has a cavalier streak … This absorbing book gathers pace, and relevance, as it goes along – an important contribution to the annals of conservative thought’ Observer

‘Norman is undoubtedly a fluent and deep thinker … his account of Burke’s life and career is as good as any of equal length on the subject … Admirable’ Spectator

‘Superb … Norman succeeds in elevating his subject, showing what is conservative about Burke, and why he matters today. Ironically, he makes such a strong case that it would seem perverse if only Tories took something from Burke’s legacy’ Financial Times

About the Author

Jesse Norman is the Member of Parliament for Hereford and South Herefordshire, and a Senior Fellow of Policy Exchange. He is a frequent op-ed contributor in the national press, has written numerous pamphlets and papers, including ‘Compassionate Conservatism’, and blogs on www.jessenorman.com. In 2012 he was awarded Parliamentarian of the Year and Backbencher of the Year. This is his first biography.

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Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsA new enlightenment?
By Sheppard's Pie on 10 May 2013
Format: Hardcover
Edmund Burke: Philosopher, Politician, Prophet
The biography of Edmund Burke is an engaging story told at a brisk and page turning pace. You feel that if you met him 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 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.
4 Comments 21 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe first conservative?
By C. E. Utley on 25 Jun. 2013
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
Constituency Conservative Associations charged with the duty of selecting parliamentary candidates used to be given a leaflet, by Conservative Central Office, explaining how they should approach their task. It opened with those famous words from Edmund Burke's speech to the electors of Bristol: "Your representative owes you not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion". I was saddened to be told, a few years ago, that the Conservative Party had decided to drop those wise words from its advice to constituencies. Perhaps it is right, as Mr Norman maintains in this short but excellent book, that Burke is neglected by modern politicians and writers. If that is so, Norman's book will, I hope, go some way to teaching those politicians the error of their ways.

Mr Norman is, himself, a politician. He is a Conservative MP. It speaks volumes for the way in which we think of our political representatives that it came as a considerable, though very welcome, surprise to discover that there is at least one MP in the present House of Commons who has carefully studied the speeches and writings of, arguably, the most influential conservative thinker we have ever had.

On reflection, I am probably being dreadfully unfair to a great many MPs in thinking they are all ignorant of history in general and of Burke in particular. These days, as a result, ironically, of the strength of the party system which Burke did so much to create, backbench MPs have practically no opportunity to develop any ideas or arguments in speeches to the House of Commons. Burke frequently addressed the House (as a backbencher which he was for most of his political career) for several hours at a time.Read more ›
2 Comments 18 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
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4.0 out of 5 starsThere is such a thing as society...
By FictionFan TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on 7 Nov. 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
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 First Conservative; and Philosopher, Politician, Prophet. Pretty impressive claims for one man! The message that the book is going to be complimentary to its subject is reaffirmed in the first sentence of the introduction:-

"Edmund Burke is both the greatest and the most underrated political thinker of the past 300 years."

I must admit that all of this made me worried that the book was going to be completely hagiographic. While I prefer biographies that are sympathetic, I also look for biographers to take a balanced approach and to criticise where criticism is due. I'm glad to say that the bulk of the book is not quite as fawningly sycophantic as these early impressions had made me fear, though it is clear that the author is coming at his subject from a position of deep admiration.

Jesse Norman is a British politician and a Conservative Member of Parliament. Prior to that, he gained a degree in Classics from Oxford, and went on to study and later lecture in philosophy. In the introduction, he advises that the book does not contain primary research, but instead represents his personal interpretation of Burke's life, philosophy and legacy.

The book has a rather unusual structure for a biography. The first half is given over to a fairly standard account of Burke's life and career, while the second part takes a closer look at his thought. I felt this divide worked quite well, although since Burke's life was considerably less interesting than his thought, equally the second half of the book was a good deal more interesting than the first.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsHow do you tell the difference between a libertarian and a conservative?
By P. Sanlon on 27 May 2013
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
I recently began wondering what on earth a political conservative is. Having for many years been one (I thought) I began to doubt I knew what 'conservative' meant. I felt confused about the policies of all the political parties in the UK, and frankly a bit unsure of where I stand.
Having heard that Burke was in some way the founder of conservatism, I ordered a beautiful 16 volume set of his works. Looks nice on my shelf - but despite being well read in history I rapidly realised I needed some background context to set the scene for his speeches and books.

This book fit the bill. Jesse Norman does an excellent job of firstly telling the story of Burke's life, and then highlighting his key political ideas. It has helped me understand what a conservative really is. It is an excellent book which explains ideas at the root of British society that are all too often conflated with American ideas of libertarianism, or rejected for a form of liberalism which does not deal with society and humanity as it is.

Hopefully the author has given copies to all his fellow MPs :)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsExcellent biography

A good read, starting with an amazing biography of one of Britain's finest political activists, but with a second section devoted more towards the author's own views than around... Read more

Published 3 months ago by Mr. AJ Curtis
5.0 out of 5 starsOutstanding

Excellently written, well researched, the book is in two parts: first a biography of this principled politician and influential political thinker, the second an exploration of his... Read more

Published 5 months ago by GPB
3.0 out of 5 starsPoor read

Not the best of Political reads. I found it quite hard to read. Ive read better Autobiographic/biographical Political books.

Published 8 months ago by Danny Clarke
5.0 out of 5 starsPM material

Excellent book! Enjoyed Jesse Norman's address at 104 Pall Mall very much indeed.

Published 12 months ago by Prof John B Schofield
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

excellent

Published 12 months ago by Carol Harries
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Highly relevant to the present day.

Published 20 months ago by MHW
3.0 out of 5 starsA useful introduction to Burke and his unique and invaluable...

A useful introduction to Burke and his unique and invaluable contribution to British political thought, now sadly ignored by the present Conservative leadership. Read more

Published 22 months ago by Bookbuff
5.0 out of 5 starsArrived as predicted and well packaged. It's a gift ...

Arrived as predicted and well packaged. It's a gift although I have read it and will be appreciated by the recipient I can guarantee.

Published 23 months ago by frances
4.0 out of 5 starsFour Stars

Very interesting if you're into history and politics, which I am.

Published on 7 Aug. 2014 by Margaret Wilson
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Very interesting and riddle as to whether Burke was a crypto-Catholic of not. Michael Phelan.

Published on 3 Aug. 2014 by Michael Phelan

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