The Lessons of History is one of the great works of historical writing, a profound distillation of the vital lessons derived from the authors' four decades of research and reflection on philosophy and the history of humankind.--From publisher's description.

The Idea of Progress An inquiry into its origin and growth by J. B. Bury Wide-ranging, erudite and stimulating, this thought-provoking volume describes the birth and development of one of the most important basic ideas of our civilization: progress, or the concept that humanity is advancing in a definite and desirable direction. Throughout, Bury examines the contributions of Darwin, Descartes, Voltaire, Locke, and other important thinkers.

The German philosopher analyzes the intellectual history of mankind since the ancient Chinese dynasties, demonstrating Christianity's role in fostering human spiritual freedom.

Published posthumously in 1965, this book contains various essays by R. G. Collingwood concerning history, philosophy, and their relationship. The essays mostly concern the idea of a 'philosophy of history', exploring its aims, limitations, and relevance. Highly recommended for students of philosophy and collectors of vintage literature of this ilk. Contents include: "Croce's Philosophy of History", "Are History and Science Different Kinds of Knowledge?",...

Is Judaism a religion, a culture, a nationality--or a mixture of all of these? In How Judaism Became a Religion, Leora Batnitzky boldly argues that this question more than any other has driven modern Jewish thought since the eighteenth century. This wide-ranging and lucid introduction tells the story of how Judaism came to be defined as a religion in the modern period--and why Jewish thinkers have fought as well as championed this idea. Ever since...

In History and Utopia, Cioran the monster writes of politics in its broadest sense, of history, and of the utopian dream. His views are, to say the least, provocative. In one essay, he casts a scathing look at democracy, that "festival of mediocrity"; in another, he turns his uncompromising gaze on Russia, its history, its evolution, and what he calls "the virtues of liberty." In the dark shadow of Stalin and Hitler, he writes of tyrants and tyranny...

In The Law of Civilization and Decay (1895), Adams presents his theory that historical events are determined by economic conditions. While believing that economic concerns-trade and the accumulation of wealth, for example-provided a primary impetus for civilization, he also believed that, unchecked, they invariably led to collapse.

The prominent philosopher cites the similarities and differences in the church's interpretation of history and the ideas of modern secular culture.

"Sparked by a controversial debate in February 2014, Bill Nye has set off on an energetic campaign to spread awareness of evolution and the powerful way it shapes our lives. In Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation, he explains why race doesn't really exist; evaluates the true promise and peril of genetically modified food; reveals how new species are born, in a dog kennel and in a London subway; takes a stroll through 4.5 billion years...

What is history and why should we study it? Is there such a thing as historical truth? Is history a science? One of the most accomplished historians at work today, John Lewis Gaddis, answers these and other questions in this short, witty, and humane book. The Landscape of History provides a searching look at the historian's craft, as well as a strong argument for why a historical consciousness should matter to us today. Gaddis points out that while...