The Sense Of Reality

Oct 6, 2024 4:25 PM

Author:Isaiah Berlin

Eight of the nine pieces in The Sense of Reality are published here for the first time. The range is characteristically wide: realism in history; judgement in politics; the special right of philosophers to self-expression; the history of socialism; the nature and impact of Marxism; the radical cultural revolution instigated by romanticism; the Russian notion of artistic commitment; the origins and practice of nationalism. The title essay, starting from the impossibility of recreating a bygone epoch, provides a superb centrepiece.

Reviews

If it were possible to add to a reputation already so considerable, these essays would do it. All the productions of Berlin's long and distinguished career are characterised by urbanity, insight, profound scholarship and witty elegance. These traits are satisfyingly and instructively here present again

—— A.C. Grayling , Financial Times

As with all Berlin's essays in the history of ideas, they exude a generous, sympathetic and large-minded enthusiasm for all sorts of thinkers and all sorts of ideas that make them a continuous pleasure to read

—— Alan Ryan , Times Literary Supplement

Engrossingly readable

—— John Gray , The Times

A superb example of philosophy for the interested layman

—— Shusha Guppy , Independent

This volume is replete with wisdom and insight

—— Matthew D’Ancona , Sunday Telegraph

Enormously stimulating...The spell of Berlin is very much present

—— John Dunn , T.H.E.S

Berlin's style conveys an unrivalled depth of learning in prose of engaging informality. A humane light shines through every sentence

—— David Miller , Independent on Sunday

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