The Meaning of Conservatism

I very much wanted to enjoy this book. I agree with the author's perspective and appreciate many of his insights. There are (at least) two basic styles of conservative writing in the Anglo-American tradition: (1) the "literary", as exemplified in the works of Russell Kirk and (especially) Richard Weaver, and (2) the "philosophical", as exemplified in the works of David Willetts and Kieron O'Hara. The former category is not usually argumentative in style, but rather assumes the truth of the conservative perspective and focuses instead on illustrating what conservatism looks like in real world term by focusing on biographical accounts, or the (often hidden) effects of social changes. The persuasiveness is in the style of writing and mental imagery it evokes. The latter category, the "philosophical" category - especially in O'Hara's case - employs clearly discernible logical argument, based on principle, methodology, and empirical evidence. Reading Scruton, I felt like he was attempting to exemplify both styles and succeeded in doing neither. His prose is abstract rather than evocative, and his arguments - the conclusions of which I agreed with - came across as random assertions strung together rather than logical deduction from principle or evidence-based deduction. This gave a "random" quality to the order and connection between the topics he treated and prevented the emergence of a clear, coherent vision. Scruton is a fine philosopher and scholar, but this is not his best work.

I gave it 4 stars because it applies more to British Conservatism than American style Conservatism, as there are some significant differences. If not for this quibble I would have given it the 5* treatment. I think this is an outstanding choice for students who might be interested in deviating from their professor's Leftist reading list.

Scruton is always good. This is aimed pretty much at the English, however.

Scruton does not need to be part of the Academia - which, thank God, he is no longer - to write wittily and with (very) consistent arguments. Do not miss his fine lines...

As always with Roger Scruton, this is a clear and lucid account of the true meaning of Conservatism which may come as a surprise to some who think the current Conservative party is the real thing. Scruton shows how many of the issues which are currently fashionable actually stemmed from earlier Conservatism and how these have been hijacked by the Left.

Superb book. Started in 6th form, still re-reading it a decade later.

La verdad es que el libro fue muy decepcionante. No tiene una estructura clara, las ideas se repiten y está muy mal organizado. Además tiene un inglés muy rebuscado, no se hace cómoda su lectura.

The author is as analytic as Bertrand Russell. Not to be read quickly.