Four Works in One Volume on the French Revolution

By Edmund Burke

Published in 1790-91

Reference #0048

First Edition, bound with three responses. “Reflections on the Revolution in France, and on the Proceedings in certain Societies in London Relative to that Event. In a Letter Intended to have been sent to a Gentleman in Paris” was written by Irish statesman Edmund Burke. It was a political pamphlet published in 1790 and is one of the best-known attacks against the French Revolution.

In “Reflections,” Burke stated the French Revolution would end terribly because its foundation and rationale ignored the intricacies of human nature and society. Further, Burke looked at practical solutions rather than metaphysics. “Reflections” received several responses from notable individuals that disagreed with Burke, including replies from English philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft and political activist Thomas Paine.

Included in this volume are three responses to “Reflections”: “Rights of Man: Being an Answer to Mr. Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution” by Thomas Paine, 1791, fifth edition; “Letters to the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Occasioned by His Reflections on the Revolution in France, &c.” by Joseph Priestley, 1791, third edition; and “A Letter to the Right Honourable Edmund Burke” by Brooke Boothby, 1791, second edition.

Works By Edmund Burke