A Short History Of Freethought: Ancient And Modern (1899)

A Short History Of Freethought: Ancient And Modern is a book written by John Mackinnon Robertson and published in 1899. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of freethought, which refers to the philosophical position that individuals should be free to form their own beliefs and opinions, independent of tradition, authority, or established dogma.The book is divided into two parts: ancient and modern freethought. The first part covers the history of freethought from ancient Greece to the Renaissance, including the works of philosophers such as Epicurus, Lucretius, and Spinoza. The second part focuses on the more recent history of freethought, including the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, and the rise of scientific materialism in the 19th century.Throughout the book, Robertson explores the various ways in which freethought has been expressed and defended throughout history, including through literature, art, and political activism. He also discusses the controversies and conflicts that have arisen as a result of freethought, such as the persecution of heretics in the Middle Ages and the censorship of books and ideas in more recent times.Overall, A Short History Of Freethought: Ancient And Modern is a fascinating and informative exploration of one of the most important and enduring philosophical movements in human history.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.