Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 2 of 3), Essay 4: Joseph de Maistre

Name: Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 2 of 3), Essay 4: Joseph de Maistre
Author: John Morley

By John Morley

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About This Book

The essay combines biography and intellectual analysis to present Joseph de Maistre as the leading voice of the early Catholic reaction in France: it recounts his formative years, displacements during revolutionary upheaval, and diplomatic service, then examines his counter‑revolutionary theology and political prescriptions. Morley outlines de Maistre's rejection of Enlightenment sensibilities, his appeal to papal authority and infallibility as the basis of social order, his reflections on divine government and the problem of evil, his hostility to speculative and Protestant currents, and the practical limits and legacy of his ultramontane programme.

About the Author

John Morley

John Morley was a prominent English writer, politician, and journalist known for his insightful essays and critiques on political philosophy and literature. He served as a member of Parliament and held various governmental roles, including Postmaster General. Morley's notable works include 'Burke,' a critical examination of the political thought of Edmund Burke, and the 'Critical Miscellanies' series, which features essays on influential figures such as Robespierre, Turgot, and George Eliot. His writings reflect a deep engagement with the intellectual currents of his time, contributing significantly to the discourse on liberalism and social reform.