Transatlantic revolutions and the war of ideas

Abstract

The study of the history of political ideas has been greatly enhanced in recent decades by the work of scholars who emphasise the importance of ‘context’. This approach has promoted more sophisticated analysis from anyone who hopes to enter the field, as well as drawing attention to previously neglected texts which are worthy of serious attention. However, texts can be read in a multiplicity of contexts, and it can be argued that the complex relationship between ideas, individuals and political practice merits further investigation. The books under review are all welcome contributions to this endeavour, showing that important progress can be made as well as suggesting that further methodological refinements are possible. In particular, these books demonstrate that careful scholarship can be undermined if the results are presented without an obvious attempt to show a sympathetic understanding of rival theories (and of their proponents as individual human beings). This might be particularly challenging in respect of the controversies surrounding the American and French Revolutions, but that only makes it more important to present these debates without betraying an overt preference for one side over another.