Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"[T]his book presents a necessary reminder of the many forms that fanaticism has taken throughout history and of its versatility today...
Fanaticism represents a significant and timely contribution to a much sought-after balance between 'the fanatic and the zombie,' as Alain Finkielkraut aptly put it (
The Defeat of the Mind, 1995). It also serves as a reminder that, as one of Dostoevsky’s characters quoted in Goldsmith’s book phrases it, 'The first [fire] is in people’s minds, not on the rooftops.'" * Perspectives on Politics *
"[Goldsmith] follows in [the] tradition of treating emotions as a central quality of political analysis but incorporates a helpful methodology within intellectual history of tracing the evolution of concepts through their linguistic adaptations to historical condition. Those of us who are sympathetic to the idea that any subject is enriched by studying its origins and evolutions across cultures and historical periods will welcome Goldsmith’s book as an opportunity to dig deeper into the history of fanaticism." * Law & Liberty *
"Goldsmith’s
Fanaticism seeks to elucidate the elements of fanaticism, as distinguished from extremism, enthusiasm, and similar concepts. The heart ofthe book discusses Kant’s
Critique of Judgment, Burke’s
Reflections on the Revolution in France, and Dostoevsky’s
Demons—works that help clarify fanaticism and oppose it…[A]n interesting, useful, and thoughtful study." * Choice *
"All those concerned with the issues of the extreme in politics should find this work helpful, of real value." * Timothy Fuller, Colorado College *
Table of ContentsChapter 1. Answering the Question: What Is Fanaticism?
Chapter 2: Three Moments in the History of Fanaticism
Chapter 3. Kant Between the Schwärmer and the Enthusiast
Chapter 4. Edmund Burke’s Critique of the “Philosophical Fanatics” Behind the French Revolution
Chapter 5. Dostoevsky’s Demons: Encountering Political Fanaticism
Conclusion. Confronting Fanaticism and Its Partisans
Notes
References
Index
Acknowledgements
