About the book
Isaiah Berlin was witness to a century. Born in the twilight of the Czarist empire, he lived long enough to see the Soviet state collapse.
The son of a Riga timber merchant and the first Jew elected to a fellowship at All Souls, Oxford, he was a historian of Russian intelligentsia, biographer of Marx, scholar of the Romantic movement, and defender of the liberal idea of freedom against Soviet tyranny.
In this definitive biography, a remarkable ten-year collaboration between biographer and subject, Michael Ignatieff charts the emergence of a unique liberal temperament—serene, comic, secular, and unafraid—while examining its influence on Berlin's vision of liberalism, which stressed the often tragic nature of political and moral choice.
A masterful work, illuminating, and beautifully written, Isaiah Berlin: A Life is destined to take its place among the great modern biographies.
\"Michael Ignatieff has written a brilliant, tender, and insightful biography of this complex, important, and influential thinker.\" —The Globe and Mail
Editions of Isaiah Berlin
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780670877461
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780143054634
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780140268577
Read an Excerpt
Isaiah Berlin was witness to a century. Born in the twilight of the Czarist empire, he lived long enough to see the Soviet state collapse.
The son of a Riga timber merchant and the first Jew elected to a fellowship at All Souls, Oxford, he was a historian of Russian intelligentsia, biographer of Marx, scholar of the Romantic movement, and defender of the liberal idea of freedom against Soviet tyranny.
In this definitive biography, a remarkable ten-year collaboration between biographer and subject, Michael Ignatieff charts the emergence of a unique liberal temperament—serene, comic, secular, and unafraid—while examining its influence on Berlin's vision of liberalism, which stressed the often tragic nature of political and moral choice.
A masterful work, illuminating, and beautifully written, Isaiah Berlin: A Life is destined to take its place among the great modern biographies.
\"Michael Ignatieff has written a brilliant, tender, and insightful biography of this complex, important, and influential thinker.\" —The Globe and Mail
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Isaiah Berlin about?
Isaiah Berlin was witness to a century. Born in the twilight of the Czarist empire, he lived long enough to see the Soviet state collapse.
The son of a Riga timber merchant and the first Jew elected to a fellowship at All Souls, Oxford, he was a historian of Russian intelligentsia, biographer of Marx, scholar of the Romantic movement, and defender of the liberal idea of freedom against Soviet tyranny.
In this definitive biography, a remarkable ten-year collaboration between biographer and subject, Michael Ignatieff charts the emergence of a unique liberal temperament—serene, comic, secular, and unafraid—while examining its influence on Berlin's vision of liberalism, which stressed the often tragic nature of political and moral choice.
A masterful work, illuminating, and beautifully written, Isaiah Berlin: A Life is destined to take its place among the great modern biographies.
\"Michael Ignatieff has written a brilliant, tender, and insightful biography of this complex, important, and influential thinker.\" —The Globe and Mail
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Isaiah Berlin?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general > Biography: historical, political and military
Where can I read a sample of Isaiah Berlin?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780670877461
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Isaiah Berlin?
Michael Ignatieff
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Isaiah Berlin is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780670877461) and paperback(ISBN 9780143054634) and paperback(ISBN 9780140268577)
Where can I buy Isaiah Berlin online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Isaiah Berlin from below
Where can I buy Isaiah Berlin?