Bertrand Russell Vol II - Softcover

Monk, Ray

Softcover

ISBN 10: 009927275X ISBN 13: 9780099272755

Publisher: Vintage, 2001

Synopsis

Whereas the highly acclaimed first volume of Ray Monk's biography focused on Bertrand Russell's achievements in philosophy and his often tortured relations with friends and lovers, this volume has at its centre the tragic and deeply moving story of Russell's relationship with his first son, John. That story, until now largely untold, traces Russell's joy at John's birth to his frightened dismay at John's collapse into schizophrenia. Russell had fervent hopes that education and parenthood could produce an 'independent, fearless and free' generation that would transform society, of which John would provide a leading example. In John's decline can also be seen Russell's disappointment at the difficulty of the reform of society. By describing the private as well as the public sides of Russell's life, this book at last does justice to the complexities of one of the most extraordinary men of the twentieth century.

About this title

Review:

'A top-class book...Like the first volume, this is superbly researched and compellingly written’ -- Financial Times

'Ray Monk is the best biographer of thinkers I know’ -- A.S. Byatt, Daily Telegraph

‘Monk’s Russell is one of the outstanding biographies of our time...a bold, penetrating and extraordinarily distressing book’ -- Sunday Telegraph

‘Monk’s Russell is, in its seriousness, its intelligence and sheer narrative drive, one of the outstanding biographies of our time’ -- Sunday Telegraph

‘Monk’s study of the great British philosopher is a terrific read...Compelling’ -- The Times

Book Description:

Ray Monk is the best biographer of thinkers I know' A S Byatt, Daily Telegraph

About this edition

• Publisher: Vintage
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 009927275X
• ISBN 13: 9780099272755
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 574