Unpopular Essays

Description

A classic collection of Bertrand Russell’s more controversial works, reaffirming his staunch liberal values, Unpopular Essays is one of Russell’s most characteristic and self-revealing books. Written to “combat… the growth in Dogmatism”, on first publication in 1950 it met with critical acclaim and a wide readership and has since become one of his most accessible and popular books.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Preface
3. Philosophy and Politics
4. Philosophy for Laymen
5. The Future of Mankind
6. Philosophy’s Ulterior Motives
7. The Superior Virtue of the Oppressed
8. On Being Modern-minded
9. An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish
10. The Functions of a Teacher
11. Ideas that have Helped Mankind
12. Ideas that have Harmed Mankind
13. Eminent Men I Have Known
14. Obituary

Reviews

‘An intellectual treat…the delight of this book lies in that combination of wit with perception, and of width of view with ease of expression for which Russell made himself known.’– Financial Times

‘Russell is as incapable of being dull as he is of being shallow’ – The Observer

‘His writings reflect his crystalline, scintillating mind and rank him among the few masters of English style’– Sunday Times

Author Biography

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) was one of the most formidable thinkers of the modern era. A philosopher, mathematician, educational innovator, champion of intellectual, social and sexual freedom, and a campaigner for peace and human rights, he was also a prolific writer of popular and influential books, essays and lectures on an extensive range of subjects.

Considered to be one of the most controversial figures of the twentieth century, Bertrand Russell is widely renowned for his provocative writings. These definitive works offer profound insights and forward-thinking perspectives on a changing western society progressively shaped, most significantly, by two world wars, the decline of British imperialism and an evolving moral landscape.