Fact and Fiction

By: Bertrand Russell

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Paperback | 27 October 1994 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
284 Pages

Edition Type
New edition

Dimensions(cm)
21.59 x 13.97 x 1.52

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This collection of essays and stories by Bertrand Russell, the influential modern philosopher, is divided into four distinct parts. The first part is devoted to six essays on the books that influenced him in youth, broadly speaking from the age of 15 to the age of 21. For Russell, this was a time when each book was an adventure and enormously important to him when first exploring the world and trying to determine his attitude towards it. The writers whom he selects for discussion are Shelley, Turgenev, Ibsen, Milton, certain historians (especially Gibbon) and the great mathematical writers.
The second part of the book is devoted to essays on politics and education. The third part consists of divertissements, parables, nightmares and dreams, the dreams being recorded exactly as dreamt and in no way decorated or improved. The final section of the book contains 11 essays and addresses on peace and war, which include some of Russell's famous public pronouncements on nuclear warfare and international tension. Rich in wit and humor, "Fact and Fiction" is a highly characteristic Russell book, demonstrating the great width of his interests and the depth of his convictions.

Industry Reviews

A provocative collection of essays by the eminent philosopher and octogenarian whose controversial work on behalf of the peace movement in England keeps his name much in the public eye. The essays, all in some way related to present East-West tensions, cover a variety of subjects from books and education to nationalism and a discussion of such abstract terms as "democracy" and "liberty". Also included are some sober parables on what can happen through human folly. Russell pleads a strong case for internationalism. It is only when the barriers of nationalism and prejudice can be overcome through education that the world can progress to peace and well being. "It is toleration of what you dislike that characterizes the liberal attitude." Russell advocates a world government with the power over nations to be equal to the present power exercised by national governments over individuals. He feels it is the responsibility of the neutral nations to play a more active part in bringing this about. The essays were intended to stand by themselves. Taken as a whole, there is much repetition. But this does not detract from the essential merit of the book whose message of hope in the face of seemingly irreconcilable conflicts leaves much food for thought. (Kirkus Reviews)

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