The Best of Burke: Selected Writings and Speeches of Edmund Burke

Anyone who claims to enjoy reading about the history of the Founding Fathers, MUST first start with Edmund Burke. In "The Best of Burke," Conservatism was born. I was amazed on the topics that Mr. Burke commented about that were addressed by our Founding Fathers. Burke had them beat by decades. His writings on limited government and the sins of true democracy definitely influenced the writers of the Declaration and Constitution. Mr. Stanlis has done his country a service above payment. This book is certainly a must read for anyone calling themselves conservative. Burke's lessons stand the test of time. The prose is certainly his own. It flows beautifully. This book you must own!

For the student of politics and politcal philosophy this compilation is a wonderful 'must-read'. I was captured at times by the power of Burke's writing. Occasionally I was so taken with the majesty of his language and the power of his logic that I found myself reading aloud, savoring each word. For example, try rolling these phrases off your tongue: "Liberty...is a general principle, and the clear right of all subjects within the realm, or of none. Partial freedom seems to me a most invidious mode of slavery. But unfortunately, it is the kind of slavery most easily admitted....The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts." Burke's erudition and style are refreshing in a modern political landscape of mediocrity and mindless soundbites. Editor Peter Stanlis divides the book into eight roughly chronological sections from Burke's seminal writings in the mid-1700's through his celebrated expressions as a member of Parliament debating the American Revolution, Ireland and Catholic Emancipation, Economic Reforms, British misrule in India and the subsequent impeachment of Governor-General Hastings. The Book concludes with selections from Burke's exceptional observations on the French Revolution, thoughts which galvanized British opposition to the revolutionary regimes and gave the intellectual undergirding of the Napoleonic Wars. Stanlis also provides the reader with helpful prequels setting the stage for each of the selected writings or speeches, a chronological table of Burke's life, a handy selected bibliography and a concise indroduction to the whole work which is an excellent summary of what follows. This hardback edition is well bound on quality paper. It will survive the many re-readings and quick searches it deserves. The one flaw in this edition is the lack of a helpful appendix or index. Even though my copy is well underscored and highlighted with marginal notes to flag key thoughts or expressions, appendices would save time thumbing through nearly 700 pages to find a particular quote. The book is not a quick read, yet it is surprisingly relevant to today's headlines. Burke's brilliant insights into human nature and the practical workings of governments far outshine most modern pundits. This book is now a standard reference work in my personal library, sitting on a close-at-hand shelf for ready access.