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Commerce and Manners in Edmund Burke's Political Economy
Although many of Edmund Burke's speeches and writings contain prominent economic dimensions, his economic thought seldom receives the attention it warrants. Commerce and Manners in Edmund Burke's Political Economy stands as the most comprehensive study to date of this fascinating subject. In addition to providing rigorous textual analysis, Collins unearths previously unpublished manuscripts and employs empirical data to paint a rich historical and theoretical context for Burke's economic beliefs. Collins integrates Burke's reflections on trade, taxation, and revenue within his understanding of the limits of reason and his broader conception of empire. Such reflections demonstrate the ways that commerce, if properly managed, could be an instrument for both public prosperity and imperial prestige. More importantly, Commerce and Manners in Edmund Burke's Political Economy raises timely ethical questions about capitalism and its limits. In Burke's judgment, civilizations cannot endure on transactional exchange alone, and markets require ethical preconditions. There is a grace to life that cannot be bought.
Hardcover
Published June 1, 2020
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October 11, 2020
While this book is somewhat dense and academic, Collin's has done an excellent job making the historical material accessible. His writing is crisp and coherent, and he assembles a comprehensive portrait of Burke's insights on economics and commerce and the world in which this thinking developed.
One thing I loved about this book is Collins clearly admires Burke as a subject. I imagine taking a class on Edmund Burke taught by Collins would be lively, informed, and entertaining, just like his book.
One thing I loved about this book is Collins clearly admires Burke as a subject. I imagine taking a class on Edmund Burke taught by Collins would be lively, informed, and entertaining, just like his book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review