Description
Book SynopsisA study in social democratic political theory that examines the writings of Jean Jaurès (1859-1914), the parliamentary and philosophical leader of French socialism.
Trade Review“Jean Jaurès is one of the most interesting figures of French socialism and the Second International. Geoffrey Kurtz’s intelligent and thoughtful book succeeds admirably in capturing the man’s philosophical erudition, political courage, and contemporary importance. Jaurès’s deep commitment to reformism, cosmopolitanism, and pacifism anchored one of the important wings of the international socialist movement, and his equally important intellectual work informed generations of students and activists alike. Kurtz succeeds admirably in uncovering ‘the inner life of social democracy,’ and his own courage in approaching his subject contributes to a very important and revealing examination of what it means to be a socialist.”
—John Ehrenberg,Long Island University
“Jean Jaurès, perhaps the most remarkable exponent of social democracy not just in France but anywhere, deserves to be better known. Geoffrey Kurtz’s introduction to his life and work succeeds brilliantly in reviving both Jaurès and the unduly neglected social democratic tradition in French political culture. This book deserves to be read by all students of European politics.”
—Arthur Goldhammer,Harvard University
“Geoffrey Kurtz has written an excellent biography of Jean Jaurès. It is high time for a new appreciation of this leading figure in the early French labor movement. Kurtz beautifully situates Jaurès in his intellectual and political milieu even as he illuminates his enduring relevance for contemporary progressive theory and practice.”
—Stephen Eric Bronner,Rutgers University
“Geoffrey Kurtz’s insightful book is both a biographical and analytical survey of Jaurès’s political and philosophical thought that accurately describes him as a forerunner of the reformist orientation of French socialism. It places emphasis on Jaurèsian idealism, as opposed to Marxist materialism, in socialist theory and practice.”
—Leslie Derfler,Florida Atlantic University
Table of ContentsContents
Acknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
Introduction: The Problem of Hope
The Battle Is Never Won
Democracy Unfrozen
A Socialist State of Grace
The Question of Method
Life in Common
Conclusion: An Awkward Politics
Notes
Bibliography
Index
