This treatise on political theory, as it would come to be known, would be widely read by Burke’s political contemporaries, with polarizing reviews. In this, he distinguishes what he believes in (abstractions like Rights of Man-that men have dignity and may pursue happiness) and what he believeswill work in practice(how a government can equally provide for those rights among its citizens). The account, being in the epistolary tradition, often takes the form of spontaneous effusions and uses an informal tone however, what Burke offers here is his opinion on the revolution in France based on his opinion of what constitutes the best-working society available to humankind. Throughout the letter, Burke offers his summary on the actions taken by the French Assembly however, he frequently reminds the reader that his knowledge of France is limited, and his accounts are often not of a firsthand nature. He directs his response to the addressee (Depont), but it is clear that Burke’s audience is more than just Depont. He also supplies an extended note on the text, a biographical guide, and a bibliography, helpfully presented in discursive form.Burke’s reply to Depont is in the epistolary tradition. The editor's notes are also fuller than those of any previous edition, glossing many literary and biblical allusions missed by previous editors.
But the Introduction is more than a compendium of information it is a thoughtful, coherent interpretation of Burke and his book. It situates the Reflections in Burke's life and the development of his ideas, the history of English political thought, the debate about the French Revolution, and the debate the book itself inspired. The editor's Introduction is much more extensive than that of any previous edition. It is certain to become the standard edition for scholars and students alike. Alone among recent versions, it reprints the text of the first edition of the Reflections, and shows how Burke amended it as his knowledge of the Revolution deepened.
This edition aims to locate Burke once again in his contemporary political and intellectual setting.
Reflections on the Revolution in France is a classic work in a range of fields from history through political science to literature, and securely holds its place among the canon of "great books." Yet its meaning is still contested and often misunderstood, equally by those who wish to admire or to denigrate Burke for his present-day relevance. The French Revolution is a defining moment in world history, and usually it has been first approached by English-speaking readers through the picture painted of it by Edmund Burke.
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