Conservatism Revisited

The Revolt Against Ideology

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Conservatism Revisited by Peter Viereck, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Peter Viereck ISBN: 9781351526449
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Peter Viereck
ISBN: 9781351526449
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Peter Viereck, poet and historian, is one of the principle theoreticians of conservatism in modern American political thought. In this classic work, Viereck undertakes a penetrating and unorthodox analysis of that quintessential conservative, Prince Metternich, and offers evidence that cultural and political conservatism may perhaps be best adapted to sustain a free and reasonable society.According to Viereck's definition, conservatism is not the enemy of economic reform or social progress, nor is it the oppressive instrument of the privileged few. Although conservatism has been attacked from the left and often discredited by exploitation from the right, it remains the historic name for a point of view vital to contemporary society and culture. Divided into three parts, the book opens with a survey of conservatism in its cultural context of classicism and humanism. Rejecting the blind alley of reaction, Viereck calls for a discriminating set of principles that include preservation through reform, self-expression through self-restraint, a fruitful nostalgia for the permanent beneath the flux, and a preference for historical continuity over violent rupture.Viereck locates our idea of Western political unity in Metternich's Concert of Europe whose goal was a cosmopolitan Europe united in peace. This ideal was opposed by both the violent nationalism that resulted in Nazism and the socialist internationalism that became a tool of Soviet Russian expansionism. While not ignoring the extremely negative aspects of Metternich's legacy, Viereck focuses on his attempts to tame the bellicosity of European nationalism and his little-known efforts to reform and modernize the Hapsburg Empire.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Peter Viereck, poet and historian, is one of the principle theoreticians of conservatism in modern American political thought. In this classic work, Viereck undertakes a penetrating and unorthodox analysis of that quintessential conservative, Prince Metternich, and offers evidence that cultural and political conservatism may perhaps be best adapted to sustain a free and reasonable society.According to Viereck's definition, conservatism is not the enemy of economic reform or social progress, nor is it the oppressive instrument of the privileged few. Although conservatism has been attacked from the left and often discredited by exploitation from the right, it remains the historic name for a point of view vital to contemporary society and culture. Divided into three parts, the book opens with a survey of conservatism in its cultural context of classicism and humanism. Rejecting the blind alley of reaction, Viereck calls for a discriminating set of principles that include preservation through reform, self-expression through self-restraint, a fruitful nostalgia for the permanent beneath the flux, and a preference for historical continuity over violent rupture.Viereck locates our idea of Western political unity in Metternich's Concert of Europe whose goal was a cosmopolitan Europe united in peace. This ideal was opposed by both the violent nationalism that resulted in Nazism and the socialist internationalism that became a tool of Soviet Russian expansionism. While not ignoring the extremely negative aspects of Metternich's legacy, Viereck focuses on his attempts to tame the bellicosity of European nationalism and his little-known efforts to reform and modernize the Hapsburg Empire.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Frank Zappa and the And by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Ethnomusicology by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Death in American Texts and Performances by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book The New Century by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Hong Kong's History by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book The Routledge Handbook of Maritime Trade around Europe 1300-1600 by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Political Aesthetics by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Growing Points in Developmental Science by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book The Use of Force in International Law by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Managing in the Media by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Politics and the European Commission by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Socioeconomic Outcomes of the Global Financial Crisis by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Family Abuse and the Bible by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book The Elements of Psychological Case Report Writing in Australia by Peter Viereck
Cover of the book Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility by Peter Viereck
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy