Bücher von Joseph de Maistre

The Spanish Inquisition calls to mind cruelty, injustice, and religious persecution, but in On the Spanish Inquisition, Maistre shows us that the facts are quite different. So far from being cruel, he says, "e;nothing in the universe can really be more calm and gentle-more impartial and humane-than the tribunal of the Inquisition."e; Over the course of five letters, Maistre patiently reveals the Inquisition as it actually was, arguing that it was moderate, necessary, and in the fullness of time, a shield against the far bloodier and more destructive French Revolution.This alone would command our attention, but On the Spanish Inquisition is much more than that; it is a defense of authority against the whim of private judgement-a defense of Catholicism against Protestantism. And in the heart of the work, the fifth letter, Maistre demonstrates how recourse to private judgement can only ever lead to indifferentism, unbelief, and atheism.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Joseph de Maistre had no doubt that the root causes of the French Revolution were intellectual and ideological

Originally published: The works of Joseph de Maistre: selected, translated and introduced by Jack Lively. New York: Macmillan, 1965.

Joseph de Maistre's Considerations on France is the best known French equivalent of Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France. This new edition of Richard Lebrun's 1974 translation is introduced by Isaiah Berlin, with a bibliography and chronology by the translator. Published in 1797, the work of the self-exiled Maistre presents a providential interpretation of the French Revolution and argues for a new alliance of throne and altar under a restored Bourbon monarchy. Although the Directory and then Napoleon delayed Maistre's influence within France until the Restoration, he is now acknowledged as the most eloquent spokesperson for continental conservatism. Considerations on France was a shrewd piece of propaganda, but, as Isaiah Berlin contends, by arguing his case in broad historical, philosophical and religious terms, Maistre raises issues of enduring importance.