"Sato's study is successful in grounding long-discussed concepts of Burke's social and political thought-from his ideas on conquest and chivalry to free trade and ancient constitutionalism in the larger historiographical debates of the Enlightenment, and doing so in a way that opens up new avenues for research. ... it is a fine addition to a vibrant discipline and to Burkean studies as a whole." (Xandra Bello, Studies in Burke and His Time, Vol. 29, 2020)
1. Introduction
2. English History: Conquest, Antiquity and National Spirit
3. European History: Vigour, Enthusiasm and Principles
4. The History of the Americas: The Spread and Transformation of 'Europe'
5. Irish History: Antiquity, Conquest and Incomplete Liberty
6. The History of Asian-Muslim Nations: 'The Garden of Eden'?
7. Conclusion: Burke and History
Sora Sato is Lecturer in the Faculty of Economics at Toyo University, Japan.
This book provides a comprehensive survey of Edmund Burke's historical thought, a neglected area of both Burke scholarship and historiography. Ranging from Burke's general conception of history to his accounts of English, European, American, Irish and Asian-Muslim history, this book offers much-needed depth and context to his political life. Sora Sato illuminates Burke's ideas on civilisation and world order with careful analysis of both his well-known historical concepts, such as the ancient constitution of England and the spirit of chivalry, as well as his lesser-known opinions on war and the military. Written with clarity and precision, this book is an invaluable reference for scholars of Burke, early modern European history and political philosophy.