Europe; 1814-1815. The continent grapples with an uneasy peace. The fires of revolution have been banked; the ardor of Napoleonic expansion dimmed. No diplomatic event in history has such a stellar cast: Tsar Alexander; Talleyrand; Wellington; Castlereagh; and Metternich; along with a supporting cast of rogues; mistresses; clairvoyants and spies; they turned Vienna into a theater of intrigue that shaped the face of Europe for the century to come. And in the shadows--Napoleon; who would rise again to challenge them at Waterloo. 50 photos. 3 maps.
#1765067 in Books Kumar Aishwary 2015-06-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.10 x 6.13l; .0 #File Name: 0804791953415 pagesRadical Equality Ambedkar Gandhi and the Risk of Democracy
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A Tour de Force!By T. IrvingThis book got me on the first page. By far one of the most eloquent and deeply considered looks at why democracy (in India; but really anywhere) remains so powerful and yet unjust; spiritual and yet disenchanted. Absolutely recommended for anyone looking to think deeply about political religion in global debates about citizenship. Or even for those just wanting a more sustained examination of Indian political history. Ambedkar’s leveraging of Madhayamaka Buddhism to argue for the annihilation of caste; and Gandhi’s spirtitualization of touch make this a remarkable read about the interplay of force and justice. One of a kind and truly a tour de force!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A truly singular work!By AthmiI've never had such a difficult time writing an review of a book. To really do this book justice; I feel as though I ought to write a review of every sub-section. This book completely transformed my understanding of politics and what it means to be political. It reshaped my conceptions of equality; freedom; sacrifice; death; force; resistance; democracy; caste; etc.I'm currently reading this book for the third time; and each time I return to the book; I find a different paragraph or sentence to become obsessed with. Right now; I'm engrossed by this paragraph on page six; where Kumar writes; "For neither [Ambedkar nor Gandhi] simply poses questions about the efficacy of abstract ends such as freedom; to which nationalists of their time were so blindly committed. On the contrary; they both shift nationalism's obsessive interest in ends and seek to reformulate the mean and force proper to justice. What kind of force -- routine; infinitesimal; even invisible -- constitutes a free and equal life? Could the people's commitment to civic duty and practical knowledge alone -- say; the art of spinning; spending time on cleaning up public spaces; or forging a weapon -- retrieve such life? What might the minutiae of practice -- which Gandhi often assembled under the term "sacrifice"; thereby investing in routine activities the power to acquire a state indifferent to the inequities of everyday life -- prepare one for? Could death; at war or through self-sacrifice; be the ground of equality?"I've never thought carefully about how nationalists are always committed to abstract ends; or about what it means to reformulate the very means by which we seek justice. Could 'sacrifice' be a way to a free and equal life? Could death be the ground of equality?Very often; when I read this book; I wonder; in disbelief; why no one ever told me any of this before. Why is this the first time I'm encountering all of these ideas that help me see through the many lies; that are so ubiquitous; we mistake them for truth?This book is destined to be a classic in political thought and intellectual history that will shape our thought for decades to come. Even if you've never read rigorous academic work before; don't be intimidated by the density of this book. This is a book that everyone can and should read; because it is about things that affect all our everyday lives so deeply and profoundly. This is the kind of book that is so meaningful that you will feel compelled to keep coming back it to for several years.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Beautifully written in clever and subtle syntaxBy Simon P.Radically reoriented my ideas about democracy and equality. Provided novel and fascinating insights into the divergences in the thought of Gandhi and Ambedkar. Beautifully written in clever and subtle syntax. More than just a book.
