Edmund Burke, the greatest Whig spokesman of his day in the British Parliament, was one of the most forceful & rational political thinkers of all time. This selection from his speeches & writings reveals a political philosophy which is viable, even prophetic, in our own time. Burke's distrust of disembodied reason, his vision of the law of all nations & his wise pragmatism speak to everyone concerned with maintaining the democratic freedoms in an age when millions are subject to the tyranny of abstract political ideas.
Edmund Burke, was born in Dublin, January 12, educated at a Quaker boarding school and at Trinity College, Dublin. In 1750 he entered the Middle Temple, London, but soon abandoned law for literary work.
The best of Burke's writings and speeches belong to this period, and may be described as a defense of sound constitutional statesmanship against prevailing abuse and misgovernment. In 1788 he opened the trial of Warren Hastings by the speech which will always rank among the masterpieces of English eloquence.
Burke had vast knowledge of political affairs, a glowing imagination, passionate sympathies, and an inexhaustible wealth of powerful and cultured expression. However, his delivery was awkward and speeches which today captivate the reader only served to empty the benches of the House of Commons (some speeches were in excess of eight hours).
One of the foremost political thinkers of 18th century England, Burke died July 9, 1797, and was buried in a little church at Beaconsfield.
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