Using the idea of the people as a point of focus and as a scalpel to dissect the thought of the counter-revolutionaries, this study in intellectual history moves from an analysis of their formal political theory with its rejection of popular sovereignty through their treatment of legitimate and illegitimate forms of representative government to their perceptions of political economy. While the effort throughout is to understand counter-revolutionary thought in its own terms, the book does more than recreate their picture of their world. It demonstrates the bases upon which their thought rests and the problems their thought encountered when confronted with the challenge posed by the changing relations of class and wealth that they saw leading to the Revolution.
"...this is an important study, thoroughly researched, able argued, intelligently presented and lucidly written." (Kurt P. Tauber, Professor of Political Science, Williams College)
"...extremely thought-provoking,...obviously quite scholarly and well written...Professor Goldstein's study can throw light on issues that are even now agitating American political theorists." (Robert Paul Wolff, Professor of Philosophy, University of Massachusetts)
"...The analyses of the theories are excellent...What I admire most is the analysis of the thought of Barruel, de Maistre and de Bonald." (Paul H. Beik, Professor Emeritus of History, Swarthmore College)
"...extremely thought-provoking,...obviously quite scholarly and well written...Professor Goldstein's study can throw light on issues that are even now agitating American political theorists." (Robert Paul Wolff, Professor of Philosophy, University of Massachusetts)
"...The analyses of the theories are excellent...What I admire most is the analysis of the thought of Barruel, de Maistre and de Bonald." (Paul H. Beik, Professor Emeritus of History, Swarthmore College)