This collection of Bertrand Russell's essays is available in paperback for the first time since its publication in 1961. Its first section deals with the books which influenced Russell in his youth. The works of Shelley, Turgenev, Ibsen and Gibbon are among those selected for discussion. The second part is devoted to essays on politics and education. The third section is one of divertissements and parables, which also includes some rare descriptions of Russell's dreams. Finally there are 11 essays and speeches concerned with peace and war, which include some of Russell's most famous pronouncements on nuclear warfare and international tension. "Fact and Fiction" provides an insight into one of this century's greatest philosophers' range of interests and depth of convictions.
INTRODUCTION PART ONE Books that Influenced Me in Youth I. The Importance of Shelley II. The Romance of Revolt III. Revolt in the Abstract IV. Disgust and Its Antidote V. An Education in History VI. The Pursuit of Truth PART TWO Politics and Education I. What is Freedom? II. What is Democracy? III. A Scientist’s Plea for Democracy IV. The Story of Colonization V. Pros and Cons of Nationalism VI. The Reasoning of Europeans VII. The World I Should Like to Live in VIII. Old and Young Cultures IX. Education for a Difficult World X. University Education PART THREE Divertissements I. Cranks II. The Right Will Prevail or The Road to Lhasa III. Newly Discovered Maxims of La Rochefoucauld 184 IV. Nightmares 2. The Theologian’s Nightmare V. Dreams VI. Parables PART FOUR Peace and War
Biography
John M. Bowers
