Democracy Needs Aristocracy

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, History
Cover of the book Democracy Needs Aristocracy by Peregrine Worsthorne, HarperCollins Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Peregrine Worsthorne ISBN: 9780007395675
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Publication: July 29, 2010
Imprint: Harper Perennial Language: English
Author: Peregrine Worsthorne
ISBN: 9780007395675
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication: July 29, 2010
Imprint: Harper Perennial
Language: English

In one of the most explosive and hotly debated books of the past year, Sir Peregrine Worsthorne presents a reactionary and playful look at the origins, evolution and demise of the aristocracy and what we can expect to replace them. Every country has the aristocracy it deserves; so what does it say about Britain that it is in the process of removing the last vestiges of political power from one of the most ancient hereditary aristocracies in the world, and one, moreover, whose record of public service has been impeccable? The word aristocracy has many connotations, some good, some bad, and Britain's aristocracy has in the past earned most of them in some degree or another. But Sir Peregrine Worsthorne, one of our most influential and respected political commentators, argues that not only does the good far outweigh the bad, but that our aristocracy has contributed mightily to our stability and prosperity, and that without it we would have neither. In this passionately argued and highly original essay Worsthorne forcefully demonstrates the shallowness of those who would celebrate the abolishment of hereditary peers in the House of Lords. For though many now forget it, Britain once had an upper class which was the envy of the world, and which, crucially, 'had enough in-built authority – honed over three centuries – and enough ancestral wisdom – acquired over three centuries – to dare to defy the arrogance of intellectuals from above and the emotions of the masses from below; to dare to resist the entrepreneurial imperative; to dare to try to raise the level of public conversation; to dare to put the public interest before private interests; and to dare to shape the nation's will and curb its appetites.’

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In one of the most explosive and hotly debated books of the past year, Sir Peregrine Worsthorne presents a reactionary and playful look at the origins, evolution and demise of the aristocracy and what we can expect to replace them. Every country has the aristocracy it deserves; so what does it say about Britain that it is in the process of removing the last vestiges of political power from one of the most ancient hereditary aristocracies in the world, and one, moreover, whose record of public service has been impeccable? The word aristocracy has many connotations, some good, some bad, and Britain's aristocracy has in the past earned most of them in some degree or another. But Sir Peregrine Worsthorne, one of our most influential and respected political commentators, argues that not only does the good far outweigh the bad, but that our aristocracy has contributed mightily to our stability and prosperity, and that without it we would have neither. In this passionately argued and highly original essay Worsthorne forcefully demonstrates the shallowness of those who would celebrate the abolishment of hereditary peers in the House of Lords. For though many now forget it, Britain once had an upper class which was the envy of the world, and which, crucially, 'had enough in-built authority – honed over three centuries – and enough ancestral wisdom – acquired over three centuries – to dare to defy the arrogance of intellectuals from above and the emotions of the masses from below; to dare to resist the entrepreneurial imperative; to dare to try to raise the level of public conversation; to dare to put the public interest before private interests; and to dare to shape the nation's will and curb its appetites.’

More books from HarperCollins Publishers

Cover of the book A History of Sweets in 50 Wrappers by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Left for Dead?: The Strange Death and Rebirth of the Labour Party by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Journey of a Lifetime by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Own It: Leadership Lessons from Women Who Do by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Collins Quiz Night (Easy) by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Lost & Found by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Freaks And Geeks by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book The Roman Tales by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book The Lost Babes: Manchester United and the Forgotten Victims of Munich by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Bigger than Hitler – Better than Christ by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Hurricane: The Life of Rubin Carter, Fighter (Text Only) by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book The Icicle Imps (Sophie and the Shadow Woods, Book 5) by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Coronation: From the 8th to the 21st Century (Text Only) by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Is Shane MacGowan Still Alive? by Peregrine Worsthorne
Cover of the book Something Wicked (The Psychic Detective, Book 2) by Peregrine Worsthorne
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy