Edmund Burke and the Revolt Against the Eighteenth Century - Classic

In this review of Edmund Burke and the Revolt Against the Eighteenth Century, the reviewer finds a thoughtful, revisionist study best suited to students and readers of political thought who want a measured reassessment of Burke and his circle. Alfred Cobban's edition, first published in 1960, argues for Burke's continuing relevance while avoiding hagiography, and it restores a fairer view of the Lake Poets; the single biggest reason to read this edition is its careful, historically grounded interpretation that treats Burke's political thought as both historically situated and of ongoing interest.

Key Features

• Second edition context: This edition revises and expands Cobban's earlier study to reflect renewed scholarly interest in Burke and offers updated perspective for mid-20th century readers.
• Balanced critique: Cobban discusses Burke without uncritical adulation, providing readers with a critical, nuanced assessment of his ideas and their limits.
• Lake Poets included: The book examines the political and social ideas of Burke's closest disciples, notably the Lake Poets, restoring nuance where they were previously depreciated.
• Historical and contemporary relevance: The author argues that Burke's works have both historical significance and a permanence that makes them relevant beyond their original moment.
• Suitable for students: Written with clarity and scholarly concern, the volume is positioned as a useful resource for students of politics, philosophy and history.

Who It's For

The book is aimed at readers who study political theory, European intellectual history, or the late 18th-century reaction to Enlightenment ideas; it will serve well as a classroom text or as a focused personal study for those seeking a measured reassessment of Burke. Graduate and undergraduate students will find Cobban's argumentation and historical framing useful for essays and seminar discussions.

Those looking for a brief introduction to Burke or a richly illustrated biography should look elsewhere, since the strength of this volume is textual and interpretive analysis rather than broad popular narrative or visual material.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, critical analysis that avoids hagiography and places Burke's ideas in historical context.
• Addresses associated writers like the Lake Poets, offering a wider view of the intellectual milieu.
• Useful as an academic resource for courses in political thought and history.

Cons

• Not a popular biography or introductory primer, so casual readers seeking a light overview may find it dense.

Specifications

Title	Edmund Burke and the Revolt Against the Eighteenth Century
Author	Alfred Cobban
Edition	Second edition (original study first published in 1960)
Subject focus	Political and social ideas of Burke and the Lake Poets
Intended audience	Students of politics, philosophy and history
Approach	Critical, historically grounded interpretation

Our Verdict

Edmund Burke and the Revolt Against the Eighteenth Century is a well-argued, scholarly reassessment ideal for students and readers who want a critical, historically informed account of Burke and his circle; it offers strong value as an academic text because Cobban combines fairness with rigorous analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a recent edition?
This edition stems from Cobban's work first published in 1960 and reflects a mid-20th century revival of interest in Burke.

Does the book cover other writers besides Burke?
Yes, it discusses Burke's closest disciples, notably the Lake Poets, and reframes their political and social ideas.

Who will benefit most from this book?
Students and readers of political thought, history and philosophy seeking a critical and contextual study will benefit most.