The Making of the Modern World

At the start of the third Christian millennium we are aware of massive political, economic and ideological changes which condition the chances of liberty, wealth and equality. Yet it is surprisingly difficult for us to understand these forces, for we cannot see what surrounds us so closely. This book analyses our condition by looking at the work of two great thinkers, one of whom provides a deep historical perspective, the other a wide comparative analysis. F.W. Maitland (1850-1906) was more than the greatest professional historian of modern times, he was a philosopher who provides a brilliant sketch of how our strange world has come about, particularly in his work on associations and trusts. Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901) more than any other created the institutions of modern Japan. As an outsider he provides a brilliant insight into the heart of the new capitalist and industrial civilization which had emerged in the west.

Autorentext
ALAN MACFARLANE is Professor of Anthropological Science at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of King's College, Cambridge. His previous books include Marriage and Love in England, 1300-1840, The Savage Wars of Peace and The Riddle of the Modern World.

Inhalt
Acknowledgements Note of References, Conventions and Measures Abbreviated Titles PART ONE: F.W. MAITLAND: THE NATURE AND ORIGINS OF THE MODERN WORLD Preface to a Study of F.W.Maitland F.W.Maitland and the Marking of the Modern World The Legacy of Sir Henry Maine Life, Work and Methods Power and Property Social Relations The Divergence of Legal Systems Fellowship and Trust Maitland and Durkheim Maitland Assessed PART TWO: YUKICHI FUKUZAWA: THE NATURE AND EFFECTS OF THE MODERN WORLD Preface to a Study of Yukichi Fukuzawa Yukichi Fukuzawa and the Making of the Modern World Early Experience and Character Travels and Comparisons The Making of a New Japan The Essence of the Modern World Liberty, Equality and Human Relations How the Modern World Was Made Bibliography Index