In the early twentieth century brutal nation-states such as Mussolini’s Italy; Stalin’s Russia and Hitler’s Germany came to the fore and the twin evils of dictatorship and war ensured the rapid destruction of liberal democracy; market economics and the international order. In contrast; the latter half was concerned with re-thinking and re-shaping these core values which still guide political life after the millennium. Harold James analyses the failures and achievements of the twentieth century. The demands of the post-war period; namely the place of Europe in a wider international order are also examined. Features include:Boxed Case Studies Maps Plates Figures Short Biographies Chronologies Statistical Appendix James lucidly argues that European societies today are dominated by the trend to converge around the principles of democracy; market economics and international integration. He shows that the stability brought by the gradual unwinding of the nation-state and the end of left-right politics have created a Europe ‘reborn’.
#8806584 in Books 2009-04-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.99 x .19 x 5.00l; .24 #File Name: 055911898892 pages
Review
146 of 152 people found the following review helpful. Just breatheBy RoshAs with so many books; we endure the scholarly and erudite reviewers who claim to know which text and translation is the most recondite; the most accurate; the most true to the original. I don't know about all that. I know Lao Tsu was so important to Asian culture and life; and I know this book makes me feel whole again with each reading. I slow down; and his true words align the iron filings in my heart.Let the educated debaters go on with their "Ten thousand things" arguing about translations and meanings. They miss the point. Get this book; make some tea; turn of the incessant rattlings in your brain and the screens in your home and relax to ancient wisdom that has influenced millions of hearts and minds for thousands of years...16 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Makes you thinkBy Spencer FloydA very interesting book that I enjoyed reading. All throughout this book it made me think in a much bigger perspective. If you are anything like me you are probably reading these reviews to help you decide whether or not to buy this book. I am glade I bought it because it was a very easy and short read and was interesting. I recommend it to everybody.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Beautiful and Accessible TranslationBy MThis is the best translation of The Tao I've read. I haven't read that many; but I was immediately struck with how accessible the language is while maintaining the great precision; delicacy and power. I looked for it because I had read that Thomas Merton really liked John Wu's translation of The Tao. I liked it so much; and couldn't find an e-version; that I ended up retyping the whole thing so I could carry it around on my phone. It's a very tiny size wise book; which at first I wasn't sure I liked; but now think it's a lovely idea because you could carry it around with you if you wanted. I believe there's a larger version of this translation; I think I saw it in a bookstore; but wasn't able to find it on line. In any case; it's a great translation and I think well worth getting.
