First published in 1953, this magnificent work will be remembered in ages to come as one of our century's most important legacies. The then-young Kirk wrote this during a time when liberalism was heralded as the only political and intellectual tradition in America. There is no doubt that this book is responsible to a large degree for the rise of conservatism as a viable and credible creed.
Kirk defines "the conservative mind" by examining such brilliant men as Edmund Burke, James Fenimore Cooper, Alexis de Tocqueville, John Quincy Adams, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Benjamin Disraeli, Cardinal Newman, George Santayana, and finally, T. S. Eliot. Vigorously written, the book represents conservatism as an ideology born of sound intellectual traditions.
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"This is a tome - 500+ pages of conservative history. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who had a sincere interest in conservative thought. Certainly, it's not for the uncommitted reader. It's a labor, but I found it to be a labor of love. Aww, isn't that nice? I espeically enjoyed the sections on Tocqueville and John Henry Newman, as I did gaining a greater understanding of the conservative reaction towards Positivism, Materialism, etc. I was force fed this theory in grad school but never knew the conservative reaction in its context. Kirk is obviously a gifted thinker and writer and does a nice job synthesizing eras of thought into digestable portions. The Conservative Mind is one of the chief works in the conservative cannon and deservedly so."
— Chris (4 out of 5 stars)
“Kirk is assured a place of prominence in the intellectual histories for helping to define the ethical basis of conservatism. He has tried to pull conservatism away from the utilitarian premises of liberalism, toward which conservatism often veers, toward a philosophy rooted in ethics and culture.”
— Wall Street Journal" Some parts of the book are five stars, at least; others one, if any: so I averaged them. "
— Robert, 1/13/2014" An excellent overview of conservative thought. It certainly wasn't persuasive enough to win one over, but it provides an excellent overview. "
— David, 1/6/2014" Gives an interesting take on what Conservationism has become through the ages "
— Blitsterman, 12/27/2013" For those who thought conservatism was just ignorance/stubborness/conformity/greed, this book was a cold shower. I had never been never been so paradigmatically challenged, and haven't been since. "
— L.mayville, 12/22/2013" This is essential reading for understanding why major changes in society should not be accepted rapidly--and blindly. "
— Jimbo, 9/16/2013" Badly written and badly reasoned. "
— B., 8/30/2013" freaking scarey. if this is how conservatives think, then it is no wonder we are in the mess we are in after 8 years of those idiots. "
— Al, 5/27/2013" Very informative, but very, VERY dry reading. I liked it, but I won't read it again. "
— MG, 12/12/2011" Very good book on history of conservatism. I've completed about 100 pages, then stopped due to difficult reading. I've simply never gone back yet, though I will. "
— Chris, 11/27/2011" Russel was a fascinating read. It was highly educational and interesting. It is definitely the reason I no longer consider myself conservative or republican :). "
— Erin, 8/17/2011" Great book on how conservativism has been defined throughout America and England "
— Cate, 7/26/2011" Muller's anthology of conservative thought (also on this list) is far less biased when it comes to interpretations of religion, moral duties, and personal freedoms. I think Kirk is fairly dogmatic. "
— Lindsay, 7/15/2011" The book that launched the modern American conservative movement, now available in trade paperback. "
— Eddy, 6/18/2011" Very good book on history of conservatism. I've completed about 100 pages, then stopped due to difficult reading. I've simply never gone back yet, though I will. "
— Chris, 4/22/2011" I generally disagree with Kirk's political philosophies, and find many of his subjects in this book too minor for serious discussion. Nonetheless, he writes wonderfully and (together with William F. Buckley) strikes me as a rigorous and provocative thinker. "
— Cam, 9/18/2010" Very informative, but very, VERY dry reading. I liked it, but I won't read it again. "
— MG, 6/26/2010" I've been preparing for reading Kirk for a long time - suddenly I'm shy. <br/>I'm ready to come to terms with my own conservatism, a conservatism that has nothing to to with the GOP. Hoping to find some resonance here. <br/>I'll let you know how it goes! "
— Mary, 6/7/2009" Gives an interesting take on what Conservationism has become through the ages "
— Blitsterman, 2/27/2009" freaking scarey. if this is how conservatives think, then it is no wonder we are in the mess we are in after 8 years of those idiots. "
— Al, 9/21/2008" Russel was a fascinating read. It was highly educational and interesting. It is definitely the reason I no longer consider myself conservative or republican :). <br/> <br/> "
— Erin, 8/27/2008" Badly written and badly reasoned. "
— B., 5/18/2008Russell Kirk (1918–1994), historian of ideas, critic, essayist, editor, and novelist, was the author of thirty-two books. Among them are The Roots of American Order, The Politics of Prudence, Enemies of the Permanent Things, and six works of fiction. He received twelve honorary doctorates from American universities and many awards, including the Presidential Citizens Medal.