The Writings and Speeches of Edmund Burke: Volume VIII: The French Revolution 1790-1794: (The Writings and Speeches of Edmund Burke)

This is the first edition of Burke's famous Reflections on the Revolution in France to appear for twenty years. No edition of his other writings on the Revolution has appeared for almost a century. In these years, the background against which Burke wrote has been much studied, throwing new light on his motives for commentating on France, and the reasons why his writings were both widely read and widely rejected. Published two hundred years after the outbreak of the French Revolution, this edition shows that the issues raised by the most influential commentaries on that Revolution have yet to be resolved.

Table of Contents:
List of short titles; Introduction; The texts: Reflections on the Revolution in France 1790; Letter to a Member of the National Assembly 1791; Hints for a Memorial to be delivered to Monsieur de M.M. 1791; Thoughts on French Affairs 1791; Heads for consideration on the present state of affairs 1792; Obs ervations on the conduct of the minority 1793; Remarks on the policy of the Allies 1793; Preface to Brissot's address 1794; Appendices; Appendix of textual variations; List of Burke's speeches; Bibliography; Index

Review :
`The textual editing has been carried out impeccably by Professor Todd, and the general editing by Dr Mitchell contributes to the production of an admirable addition to this series.' EHR Oct 1993 `Burke's views on the French Revolution have returned to fashion in recent years, and this volume covering his major writings during the period 1790-94 is therefore very welcome. ...the bulk of his reaction is here, buttressed by an excellent introduction which sets his ideas in context and by helpful textual notes. ...excellent edition to what must now be the definitive edition of Burke's published work.' Hugh Gough,Clarendon Press `As was to be expected, the editing is exemplary. The text is not buried under a mountain of explanatory comment but very little is overlooked ... His range of scholarship is awe-inspiring ... He has placed all students of the period very heavily in his debt and provided them with a standard text.' French History 'impeccable scholarship of this edition, which places Burke's work in its exact historical context' Literary Review 'In an impressive and scholarly introduction, Dr Mitchell presents us with an intellectual biography of Burke during the years covered by the volume ... the important part of the book is the text, and here there is everything to admire. The textual editor, Professor William B. Todd, has brought the highest standards of scholarship to the wearisome task of establishing and collating the texts. Dr Mitchell's carefully researched footnotes are outstanding for their clarity and illumination. This volume is an important addition to an important undertaking, the production of a scholarly edition of Burke's works. It is superbly produced, a pleasure to read; the research is thorough and clearly presented; and the reproduction of the text absolutely exemplary. It is worthy of its place as a definitive text.' Philip Schofield. 'The excellent footnotes to the text reference and translate classical quotations, identify status, historical actors and episodes, indicate points taken up by Burke's polemical opponents and assertions by Burke which were clearly incorrect; they generally continue the high standards established for this edition. This factual information is tremendously helpful in dealing with a thinker such as Burke ... a fine edition.' Iain Hampsher-Monk, University of Exeter, History of Political Thought, Vol. XII, No. 1, Spring 1991