The Europeanization of the World (original) (raw)

"There is much in this book for Renaissance scholars, historical sociologists, and students of contemporary history. For the . . . historically oriented sociologist, the book is an important contribution to understanding the European heritage."---Gerard Delanty, American Historical Review

"John Headley's lucid study of the intellectual origins of human rights and democracy in the European tradition rewards the careful reader. . . . Headley has written an excellent book, penetrating and well-written. The two sections on the United States described above arc in brief, isolated sections, and have little to do with the rest of the book. The reader stands to gain a great deal from this senior scholar's broad analysis of these distinctly European values."---John F. Kicza, Renaissance Quarterly

"This is a provocative, compelling, and successful book that traces the culture-transcending qualities of the idea of a common humanity and political dissent in Europe. . . . Balanced and deeply intelligent, Headley's book recasts the role of European civilization in shaping our future."---A.R. Brunello, Choice

"Headley flies in the face of post-1960s criticism of the West to argue that the Renaissance and the Reformation laid the groundwork for the world's present understanding of human rights and constitutional democracy. . . . Headley offers considerable evidence for these Western contributions to pushing diverse cultures toward a new, globalized way of life. . . . In a brief epilogue, [he] sets aside his scholarly mien to launch a devastating critique of American policies at home and abroad since 2001. . . . A densely written defense of the Western tradition."

"A wonderful book! The author dives deep into his extensive work on the Renaissance in order to explore the roots of human rights and democracy in the European heritage, and then extends his insights into the contemporary period. The scholarship and theoretical sophistication make this book a must-read for all thoughtful people, especially those concerned with political theory and globalization."—Bruce Mazlish, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"This is an important book. The argument that there is something unique about European civilization from a global perspective is highly relevant to contemporary political and cultural debate. The scholarship placing the sources of this uniqueness in the history of the European Renaissance as it encountered and conceptualized other worlds is of the first order."—Joan-Pau Rubiés, London School of Economics and Political Science

"This is a short book that addresses a very large topic. It is an exceedingly fair-minded, judicious, and learned attempt to deal with an important and controversial topic, and it treats the matter in a challenging and thought-provoking fashion. My judgment is that Professor Headley has succeeded admirably."—Paul A. Rahe, University of Tulsa