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Free Speech
A Global History from Socrates to Social Media
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The first global history of free speech shows we need to understand the past to address the challenges of the future.
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Description
A global history of free speech, from the ancient world to today.
Hailed as the "first freedom," free speech is the bedrock of democracy. But it is a challenging principle, subject to erosion in times of upheaval. Today, in democracies and authoritarian states around the world, it is on the retreat.
In Free Speech, Jacob Mchangama traces the riveting legal, political, and cultural history of this idea. Through captivating stories of free speech's many defenders— from the ancient Athenian orator Demosthenes and the ninth-century freethinker al-Razi, to Mary Wollstonecraft, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and modern-day digital activists—Mchangama demonstrates how the free exchange of ideas underlies all intellectual achievement and has enabled the advancement of both freedom and equality worldwide. Yet the desire to restrict speech is also a constant, and he explores how even its champions can be led down this path when the rise of new and contrarian voices challenge power and privilege of all kinds.
Meticulously researched, deeply humane, and provocative, Free Speech challenges us all to recognise how much we have gained from this principle—and how much we stand to lose without it.
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?
Free Speech by Jacob Mchangama is receiving praise for being both a comprehensive history and a robust defence of free speech. The book is noted for its rich insights, clear writing, and engaging storytelling. Reviewers highlight its exploration of free speech's enduring importance, despite contemporary challenges, making it an essential read for understanding ongoing debates.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529382204
Publisher: John Murray Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 March 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Basic Books
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 42.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 232.0mm
Weight: 653g
Pages: 528
About the Author
Jacob Mchangama is a lawyer, human rights advocate and former external lecturer of Human Rights at the University of Copenhagen. He is the founder and director of Justitia, a Copenhagen-based think tank focusing on human rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. His writings have appeared in a wide range of international outlets including The Economist, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, Politico, The Wall Street Journal Europe, El Pais, France24, Deutsche Welle, and Al Jazeera. This book builds on his podcast Clear and Present Danger: A History of Free Speech, which has reached an audience of over 220,000 unique listeners in more than 120 countries across the world.
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Free Speech
A global history of free speech, from the ancient world to today. Hailed as the "first freedom," free speech is the bedrock of democracy. But it is a challenging principle, subject to erosion in times of upheaval. Today, in democracies and authoritarian states around the world, it is on the retreat. In Free Speech, Jacob Mchangama traces the riveting legal,...Paperback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
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