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A notable book on the Revolutionary War is reviewed...
A notable book on the Revolutionary War is reviewed...
Item # 699752
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March 29, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 29, 1785
* re. American Revolutionary War support (book)
The front page has a review of a recently published book: "Observations on the Importance of the American Revolution, and the Means of Making it a Benefit to the World..." by Richard Price.
This was a notable work: "A British moral philosopher, economic thinker, and Presbyterian minister,
Richard Price championed the American Revolution. In its Enlightenment foundations and its victory through united purpose, he drew unprecedented hope for “a new era in the history of mankind” one based on civil liberty, just ownership of land, wisely distributed political power, and sound economic
principles.
While lauding the Americans, he also alerted them to their precarious position. Nurture your infant nation with your ideals, guard against the age-old frailties of human nature, or the Revolution may prove to be “an opening to a new scene of human degeneracy and misery” instead of a beacon of hope and a “refuge to the world.”
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed, 9 by 12 inches, very nice condition.While lauding the Americans, he also alerted them to their precarious position. Nurture your infant nation with your ideals, guard against the age-old frailties of human nature, or the Revolution may prove to be “an opening to a new scene of human degeneracy and misery” instead of a beacon of hope and a “refuge to the world.”
AI notes: Observations on the Importance of the American Revolution, and the Means of Making it a Benefit to the World (1784) by Richard Price is a seminal pamphlet that defends the moral and political legitimacy of the American Revolution while situating it within a broader vision of human progress. Price, a Welsh philosopher and moralist, argued that the Revolution was not merely a colonial rebellion but a principled struggle for liberty, representative government, and the protection of individual rights, exemplifying Enlightenment ideals in action. He emphasized that the success of the American states could serve as a model for other nations, demonstrating that governments founded on reason, consent, and civic virtue could flourish. At the same time, he cautioned that these new republics must remain vigilant against corruption, factionalism, and moral decay, urging citizens to cultivate unity, wise governance, and adherence to ethical principles. Beyond politics, Price highlighted the significance of religious freedom and civil liberties, framing the Revolution as a transformative event with the potential to inspire a more just and enlightened world order. His pamphlet contributed to transatlantic debates about governance and reform, influencing both American and European audiences who were grappling with the meaning of liberty and the responsibilities of democratic citizenship.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
No Longer Available
