On Liberty, Society, and Politics: The Essential Essays of William Graham Sumner

by Robert C. Bannister (Editor)

William Graham Sumner is the “forgotten man” of American intellectual history. Too often dismissed or only superficially understood, his interpretations are now attracting closer scrutiny and appreciation. He is remembered chiefly as one of the founding fathers of sociology. Sumner’s analysis of the relation between the individual and society is deeper and more sophisticated than is commonly thought. For students of American history and politics, the essays reveal the complexity of American political and social thought. Robert C. Bannister is Scheuer Professor Emeritus of History at Swarthmore College.

Genres: Philosophy, Sociology, Politics

466 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read on a broad selection of topics. One can see inconsistencies in how he bases his method of analysis and how it relates to inconsistencies between fields of study.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read. What a phenomenal work touching on so many facets of life then and now. In many cases, you can supplement the word or idea of that era for the modern equivalent and the diagnosis and solution would be the same.

One important takeaway and what I believe to be most relevant is that what is happening in the year 2020 has happened before in our history and in the history of other nations. Anytime a nation experiences a massive increase in wealth discontent rises and rises and the institutions have to sort things out.

[Craig Bolton]

"On Liberty, Society, and Politics: The Essential Essays of William Graham Sumner by Robert C. Bannister (1992)"