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Towards the Light
The Story of the Struggles for Liberty and Rights That Made the Modern West
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See morePresents the stories of Martin Luther, Mary Wollstonecraft and Rosa Parks, whose sacrifices make us value these precious rights, especially in an age when governments under pressure find it necessary to restrict rights in the name of freedom.
Towards the Light is not only a revealing history book, but an examination of Western values that will enlighten, provoke and fascinate. Questions about equal rights, freedom of thought and transparent government are as relevant now as ever and are constantly in the news. By the well-known and bestselling author of Among the Dead Cities and The Meaning of Things
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Description
The often-violent conflicts of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries were sparked by the pursuit of freedom of thought. In time, this drive led to bitter fighting, including the English Civil War. Then came revolutions in America and France that swept away monarchies for more representative forms of government, making possible the abolition of slavery, the enfranchisement of women, and the idea of universal human rights and freedoms.
Each of these struggles was a memorable human drama, and Grayling interweaves the stories of these heroes, including Martin Luther, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Rosa Parks, whose sacrifices make us value these precious rights, especially in an age when governments under pressure find it necessary to restrict rights in the name of freedom.
Towards the Light is a compelling narrative exploring the critical moments and figures that have championed our most cherished liberties.
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Towards the Light by Professor A. C. Grayling presents a vigorous defence of freedom and Enlightenment ideals, drawing comparisons to the writings of figures like Tom Paine and William Godwin. The book is praised for its even-handed tone and compelling exploration of the human cost involved in the historical struggle for liberty. Grayling's work spans a wide historical and geographical canvas, offering fascinating stories and insights into the development of human rights, while highlighting the enduring threats to our freedoms.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780747592990
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 01 September 2008
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 352
About the Author
A.C. Grayling is Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London, and a multi-talented author. He believes that philosophy should take an active, useful role in society. He has been a regular contributor to The Times, Financial Times, Observer, Independent on Sunday, Economist, Literary Review, New Statesman and Prospect, and is a frequent and popular contributor to radio and television programmes, including Newsnight, Today, In Our Time, Start the Week and CNN news. He is a Fellow of the World Economic Forum at Davos, and advises on many committees ranging from Drug Testing at Work to human rights groups.
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