Main Currents of Western Thought
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Readings in Western Europe Intellectual History from the Middle Ages to the Present
Fourth Edition
Edited by Franklin Le Van Baumer
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Format: PaperPrice: $40.00
Many disciplines create books of readings by the dozens; it is a rare event when a reader helps to create a discipline. On its initial publication in 1952, Main Currents of Western Thought did just that.
In the years since its first appearance, Main Currents has remained unquestionably the leading reader in its field. The illuminating short essays that introduce sections and subsections are well known, but the continuing usefulness of any reader depends upon the quality of its selections. Franklin Le Van Baumer has sought out passages that best represent and illuminate the ideas and preoccupations of each age. He has found them in the works of the great, including Augustine, Aquinas, Dante, Luther, Newton, Voltaire, Darwin, Whitehead, and Freud. But he has also discovered telling statements in writings less widely known: Ramón Lull on chivalry (13th century), Henry Peacham on “the complete gentleman” and Leonard Busher on religious liberty (both 17th century), Louis-René de la Chalotais on education (18th century), Samuel Smiles on “self-help” (19th century) and Virgil Gheorgiu on mechanization (20th century).
“An admirable model…[Baumer] deliberately cuts across several disciplines such as religion, political science, philosophy, science, and historical writing…The editorial comment is outstanding…For each of the main sections he has provided first-rate introductions which emphasize the ‘climate of opinion’ concept. Mr. Baumer can sketch the social setting of ideas, summarize the different interpretations of each period, and indicate what he considers to be the key words, terms, and symbols of the era in a manner that is thoroughly up to date without being biased of debunking.” – Wallace Evan Davies, American Quarterly
Publication Date: September 10, 1978
