National Character and Public Spirit in Britain and France, 1750-1914

Explore the intricate relationship between national identity and civic engagement in "National Character and Public Spirit in Britain and France, 1750-1914" by renowned author Romani. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2001, this hardback edition spans 360 pages, delving into the complexities of 'national character' and 'public spirit' during a transformative era in Europe. Romani distinguishes between the often static and stereotype-laden concept of national character and the dynamic qualities essential for the functioning of free institutions. Through the lens of influential thinkers such as Montesquieu, Voltaire, Hume, Millar, Burke, Tocqueville, Spencer, Hobson, and Durkheim, this book offers a profound analysis of how these ideas shaped societal values in Britain and France. Ideal for scholars and enthusiasts of history, sociology, and political science, this work invites readers to reflect on the evolution of public spirit and its impact on modern governance.