Twentieth-century Russia; in all its political incarnations; lacked the basic features of the Western liberal model: the rule of law; civil society; and an uncensored public sphere. In Slavophile Empire; the leading historian Laura Engelstein pays particular attention to the Slavophiles and their heirs; whose aversion to the secular individualism of the West and embrace of an idealized version of the native past established a pattern of thinking that had an enduring impact on Russian political life.Imperial Russia did not lack for partisans of Western-style liberalism; but they were outnumbered; to the right and to the left; by those who favored illiberal options. In the book's rigorously argued chapters; Engelstein asks how Russia's identity as a cultural nation at the core of an imperial state came to be defined in terms of this antiliberal consensus. She examines debates on religion and secularism; on the role of culture and the law under a traditional regime presiding over a modernizing society; on the status of the empire's ethnic peripheries; and on the spirit needed to mobilize a multinational empire in times of war. These debates; she argues; did not predetermine the kind of system that emerged after 1917; but they foreshadowed elements of a political culture that are still in evidence today.
#736740 in Books Dixon John M 2016-04-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.25 x 6.25l; .0 #File Name: 0801448034264 pagesThe Enlightenment of Cadwallader Colden Empire Science and Intellectual Culture in British New York
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. "Empire; Science; and Intellectual Culture in British New York"By Ronald H. ClarkThis turned out to be an interesting biography of Cadwallader Colden (1688-1776); a Scottish physician who after practice in London gravitated eventually to colonial New York. What makes his story informative is the author's concentration upon Colden's role in developing scientific research and the general intellectual culture in early 18th century New York; as well as his involvement in the turbulent politics of the period. Most studies of this period concentrate upon Boston; Philadelphia or Virginia; as the colonies develop prior to the break with Britain. It is good to know what New York was also engaged in developing scientific expertise; promoting transatlantic intellectual culture; and implementing freedom of the press as well.The author's Introduction lays out the general profile of what is to come. The initial chapters are primarily about the enlightened early 18th century. The importance of the Scottish Enlightenment in shaping American thought during this period again becomes evident. In fact; the author sketches how a vigorous transatlantic culture; involving London and Scotland as well as America; flourished. Colden participated in several dimensions of this process; as a scientist (much as Franklin); historian (particularly of Indian culture); surveyor of new territories; and politician (serving as Lieutenant Governor). The crucial role of the expanding print culture in New York in stimulating transatlantic intellectual exchanges; as important Enlightenment essays and books authored by colonials such as Colden were printed and circulated in London as well as New York; is emphasized. Another unusual topic we generally hear little about was the role of slavery during this period in New York. The author places reliance upon Colden's involvement in so many intellectual activities to structure his analysis of these diverse cultural developments.Even when Colden; toward the end of his life; gets caught up in the preliminary elements of the eventual break with Britain; as intense political partisanship (e.g. the Stamp Act) assails his role as Lieutenant Governor; we nonetheless learn much from Colden's travails. The press starts to become an important political weapon; propaganda is increasingly relied upon; Colden and others attack the legal profession and even judges; and tensions continue to build with London. Just as the British army invades New York in 1776 chasing Washington's army; Colden passes from the scene; bringing an end to a productive and busy intellectual life.So; much of the virtue of this book centers on developments transpiring around Colden; rather than Colden himself. His involvement in so many spheres of activity affords the reader easy insights into each topic the author addresses. My only problem arose in connection with the author's discussion of Colden's theory of active matter; which he developed to counter George Berkeley's attack upon physical matter. I see now why this was one of Colden's contributions that few found worthy of study. Other than this aspect; the author writes with clarity and insight. His thorough research is evidenced in the extensive notes. This book is really an intellectual biography of colonial New York as much as of Colden--and that is what makes it so useful.
