Public-domain ebook
Language: en1,180 downloads on Project Gutenberg
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In: Essays, Letters & Speeches·History - Modern (1750+)·Philosophy & Ethics
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #15084.
The work is a scholarly survey of Western intellectual life from the aftermath of the 1870 Franco‑Prussian conflict to the close of the Great War, presented as a series of essays by leading academics of the day. It opens with a reflective note from the editor, F.S. Berkhamsted, urging continuation of the discussion and inviting readers to suggest topics for future gatherings. The table of contents then maps out a broad terrain, philosophy, religion, poetry, history, political theory, economics, and the sciences, each chapter authored by a university professor or specialist. The introductory essay by F.S. Marvin frames the period as a “tragedy of hope,” juxtaposing the twin catastrophes of 1870 and 1914 with unprecedented advances in biology, physics, and industrial technology, and argues that the surge in collective scientific effort signals a deeper social cohesion.
Written in a formal, essayistic style typical of early‑20th‑century academic compilations, the book blends historical narrative with philosophical commentary and statistical observation. Its tone is earnest, occasionally polemical, and its language reflects the intellectual optimism and anxieties of the post‑war era. Readers who enjoy interdisciplinary analyses that connect politics, science, and culture, especially those interested in the intellectual climate of Europe between 1870 and 1919, will find this volume a rewarding, if demanding, guide to the era’s complex legacy.
The opening · free to read
It was felt at the conclusion of the course that the point of view was so enlightening and offered so many opportunities of useful further study that it should, if possible, be resumed in future years. A large number of subjects were suggested--'The Relations of East and West,' 'The Duty of Advanced to Backward Peoples,' 'The Role of Science in Civilization,' &c.--all containing the same elements of 'progress in unity' which have inspired the previous volumes. It was thought that possibly for the next session 'World Reconstructions Past and Present' might be most appropriate.
If any reader feels moved by interest or sympathy with the general idea to send suggestions, either as to possible places of meeting, or topics for treatment or any other kindred matter, they would be welcomed either by the Editor or by Edwin Gilbert, Woodbrooke, Selly Oak, Birmingham.
F.S.M.
BERKHAMSTED, December, 1919.
[ Transcriber's Note: This text contains a single instance of a character with a diacritical mark. The character is a lower-case 'r' with a caron (v-shaped symbol) above it. In the text, that character is depicted thusly: [vr] ]
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