Herbert Spencer [Hardcover]

This volume makes a compelling case for the continued relevance and significance of Herbert Spencer (1820-1904), one of the foremost intellectuals of the Victorian era whose work now tends to be regarded as being of purely historical interest.

One of the originators of the evolutionary classical liberal or libertarian approach exemplified later by F. A. Hayek, Spencer engaged with such issues as the relationship between the individual and the state; the nature of majoritarian democracy; the legitimacy of private property; the consequences of the transition from relatively simple, feudal communities to complex, industrial societies; and the causes of war and the prospects of international peace. For him the future was individualist. However, as the scope of state action expanded and classical liberal ideas became increasingly marginalised during the course of his life, Spencer grew ever more pessimistic about the future prospects for liberty.

Alberto Mingardiis Director General of the Istituto Bruno Leoni (Milan) and an Adjunct Scholar with the Cato Institute (Washington, DC). His last book wasL'intelligenza del denaro. Perch? il mercato ha ragione anche quando ha torto(2013).Herbert Spenceris a well-written, -referenced, and -researched book that never slips into the error of academic cleverness. Mingardi pays respect to a fallen leader who deserves to stand tall. He steps back and lets Spencer speak. This book presents an accessible yet sophisticated overview of an English philosopher who was key in the development of classical liberalism. Wendy McElroy, The Freeman, 20121. Introduction \ 2. The Life and the Character \ 3. Ideas \ 4. Herbert Spencer's Offspring \ 5. Who should read Spencer today? \ Bibliography \ Index