The French Revolution is a defining moment in world history, and usually
it has been first approached by English-speaking readers through the
picture painted of it by Edmund Burke. Reflections on the Revolution in
France is a classic work in a range of fields from history through
political science to literature, and securely holds its place among the
canon of "great books." Yet its meaning is still contested and often
misunderstood, equally by those who wish to admire or to denigrate Burke
for his present-day relevance. This edition aims to locate Burke once
again in his contemporary political and intellectual setting. Alone
among recent versions, it reprints the text of the first edition of the
Reflections, and shows how Burke amended it as his knowledge of the
Revolution deepened. It is certain to become the standard edition for
scholars and students alike. The editor's Introduction is much more
extensive than that of any previous edition. It situates the
Reflections in Burke's life and the development of his ideas, the
history of English political thought, the debate about the French
Revolution, and the debate the book itself inspired. But the
Introduction is more than a compendium of information; it is a
thoughtful, coherent interpretation of Burke and his book. The editor's
notes are also fuller than those of any previous edition, glossing many
literary and biblical allusions missed by previous editors. He also
supplies an extended note on the text, a biographical guide, and a
bibliography, helpfully presented in discursive form.
