Another Liberalism Romanticism and the Reconstruction of Liberal Thought

Nancy Rosenblum challenges conventional liberalism with a rich romantic tradition, drawn from an impressive range of literature and philosophy. Liberalism lives up to the challenge by absorbing--and tempering--romantic longings for self expression and spontaneity. The result is an admirably clear and original defense of liberal pluralism, a pluralism that promises not harmony between individual and community but relief from the excesses of both private and public absorption.

This is a rich, imaginative book. With tact and learning, Rosenblum shows that liberalism has a lot to learn from different and sometimes hostile tendencies of thought. She also brings out that it has a lot to teach, in return. The discussion of the ties and tensions between liberalism and romanticism is especially striking. She has written a resourceful and enormously instructive work.

A highly original work--beautifully written, brimming with insights, and a real pleasure to read...A major contribution to the debate about the nature and origins of liberalism. The book is a small feast!