Mikko Tolonen – författare

The Fable of the bees and the Treatise of human nature were written to define and dissect the essential components of a ‘civil society’. How have early readings of the Fable skewed our understanding of the work and its author? To what extent did Mandeville’s celebrated work influence that of Hume? In this pioneering book, Mikko Tolonen extends current research at the intersection of philosophy and book history by analysing the two parts of the Fable in relation to the development of the Treatise.Focussing on the key themes of selfishness, pride, justice and politeness, Tolonen traces the evolution of Mandeville’s thinking on human nature and the origins of political society to explore the relationship between his Fable and Hume’s Treatise. Through a close examination of the publishing history of the Fable and F. B. Kaye’s seminal edition, Tolonen uncovers hitherto overlooked differences between Parts I and II to open up new approaches in Mandeville scholarship. As the question of social responsibility dominates the political agenda, the legacy of these key Enlightenment philosophers is as pertinent today as it was to our predecessors.

It has long been understood that histories were central to the Era of the Enlightenment. Enlightenment histories not only broke new scholarly ground, but they also circulated widely with an expanding reading audience. Some works, such as David Hume’s History of England, were both innovative and became international bestsellers. Enlightenment Histories is a collection of complementary chapters from which to explore this intriguing field. With its international group of contributors (Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Japan, UK, USA) this volume assembles a methodologically diverse collection of chapters ranging in their coverage from particular histories, to historiographical debates of the period, to different forms of historical writing that predominated. The discussions include the place of historical writings within the Enlightenment’s moral, philosophical, and political debates. In short, the volume highlights many distinctive features of Enlightenment histories, thereby illuminating their contemporary contexts and enduring significance.

It has long been understood that histories were central to the Era of the Enlightenment. Enlightenment histories not only broke new scholarly ground, but they also circulated widely with an expanding reading audience. Some works, such as David Hume's History of England, were both innovative and became international bestsellers. Enlightenment Histories is a collection of complementary chapters from which to explore this intriguing field. With its international group of contributors (Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Ireland, Japan, UK, USA) this volume assembles a methodologically diverse collection of chapters ranging in their coverage from particular histories, to historiographical debates of the period, to different forms of historical writing that predominated. The discussions include the place of historical writings within the Enlightenment's moral, philosophical, and political debates. In short, the volume highlights many distinctive features of Enlightenment histories, thereby illuminating their contemporary contexts and enduring significance.