Reveries of the Solitary Walker

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Jean-Jacques Rousseau Russell Goulbourne (Professor of Early Modern French Literature, University of Leeds)

Reveries of the Solitary Walker

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Russell Goulbourne (Professor of Early Modern French Literature, University of Leeds)

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English

Worlds Classics
14 July 2011

Autobiography: literary; Literature, Poetry & Criticism; Western philosophy: Enlightenment

Series: Oxford World's Classics

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'These hours of solitude and meditation are the only time of the day when I am completely myself'

Reveries of the Solitary Walker is Rousseau's last great work, the product of his final years of exile from the society that condemned his political and religious views. Returning to Paris the philosopher determines to keep a faithful record of the thoughts and ideas that come to him on his perambulations.

Part reminiscence, part reflection, enlivened by anecdote and encounters, the Reveries

form a kind of sequel to his Confessions, but they are more introspective and less defensive: Rousseau finds happiness in solitude, walks in nature, botanizing, and meditation. Writing an account of his walks becomes a means of achieving self-knowledge and safeguarding for himself the pleasure that others, he is convinced, seek to deny him. The Reveries, shaped by the unmediated nature of Rousseau's thought processes, give powerfully lyrical expression to a painfully tortured soul in search of peace.

This new translation is accompanied by an introduction and notes that explore the nature of the work and its historical, literary, and intellectual contexts.

ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

By: Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Translated by: Russell Goulbourne (Professor of Early Modern French Literature University of Leeds)
Imprint: Worlds Classics
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 196mm, Width: 135mm, Spine: 12mm
Weight: 126g
ISBN: 9780199563272
ISBN 10: 0199563276
Series: Oxford World's Classics
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 14 July 2011
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active