The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 01 (of 12)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

15043

Title

The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 01 (of 12)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents the foundational works of Edmund Burke, including his defense of natural society, inquiries into the sublime and beautiful, and sharp political observations on the nation's discontent. Written with a tone of vigorous patriotism and philosophical depth, it appeals to readers interested in the origins of political thought, the nature of taste, and the defense of established institutions against radical change.

Summary up to 500 words

This volume collects the seminal writings of Edmund Burke, offering a comprehensive view of his intellectual and political career. It opens with his famous 'Vindication of Natural Society,' a satirical critique of artificial social constructs, followed by his philosophical exploration of the sublime and beautiful. The text transitions into his political career, featuring speeches and tracts such as 'Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents,' where he analyzes the corruption of the British constitution and the dangers of standing armies. Burke argues that society is a partnership between the living, the dead, and the unborn, emphasizing the necessity of tradition, gradual reform, and the preservation of inherited wisdom. He critiques the Whig Club's resolutions and defends the rights of property and the common law against encroaching ministerial power. The text also includes his observations on commercial regulations and foreign affairs, defending the administration of Lord North against charges of negligence regarding the Manilla ransom and Canada bills. Throughout, Burke champions the idea of a united party acting for the national interest, warning against the fragmentation of public men and the rise of factions that undermine the constitution. His arguments blend moral philosophy with practical statecraft, urging a return to the original principles of the constitution to avoid the extremes of slavery or civil confusion. Burke defines a party not as a faction driven by private interest, but as a body of men united to promote the national interest upon specific principles. He asserts that public life requires energy and connection, warning that detached individuals who refuse to align with a party risk becoming either angels or devils, lacking the capacity for effective governance. He argues that the House of Commons must remain independent and accountable to its constituents, serving as a check on executive power rather than succumbing to abject dependence on the court. By maintaining this just connection, the Commons can restore its dignity and control, ensuring the government serves the sovereign with affection and fidelity rather than private spleen. Burke concludes that without such honest combination and adherence to constitutional principles, the nation faces a ruinous alternative between the rage of civil violence and the dead repose of despotism. His work serves as a plea for unity, tradition, and the preservation of liberty against the fragmentation of public opinion and the rise of dangerous factions.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15043.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg15043.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-07 10:16 UTC

Categories

• History
• Politics