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Reveries of the Solitary Walker
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Reveries of the Solitary Walker
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An exploration of the author's thought as he looks back over his life, searching to justify his actions, to defend himself against his critics and to elaborate upon his philosophy. It describes his sense of isolation from a society he felt had rejected his writings.
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Description
Rousseau's final work and meditation
After a period of forced exile and solitary wandering brought about by his radical views on religion and politics, Jean-Jacques Rousseau returned to Paris in 1770. Here, in the last two years of his life, he wrote his final work, the Reveries.
In this eloquent masterpiece, the great political thinker describes his sense of isolation from a society he felt had rejected his writings – and the manner in which he has come to terms with his alienation. As he walks around Paris, gazing at plants, day-dreaming and finding comfort in the virtues of solitude and the natural world, Rousseau's reflections are meditative, amusing, and lyrical.
This is a fascinating exploration of Rousseau's thought as he looks back over his life, searching to justify his actions, to defend himself against his critics, and to elaborate upon his philosophy.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reveries of the Solitary Walker by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is praised for its introspective and reflective nature. Readers appreciate its exploration of personal solitude and philosophical musings. The work is often seen as a profound meditative journey, offering deep insights into human emotions and the natural world, with reviewers noting its timeless relevance and poetic prose.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780140443639
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 22 November 1979
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Translated by Peter France
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 9.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 124g
Pages: 160
About the Author
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva in 1712. Abandoned by his father at the age of ten, he left the city in 1728 and from then on wandered Europe, searching for happiness. In 1732 he settled for eight years at Les Charmettes, remembered in his book Confessions. In 1741 he moved to Paris where he met Diderot, in the meantime fathering five children, all of whom he abandoned. His corwning achievement is his work of political philosophy, The Social Contract, which was published in 1762. He died in 1778. Peter France is the author of books on French and Russian literature and has translated widely from both languages.
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