Join Dan Edelstein for a Fascinating Book Talk on Revolutionary Ideas
The Hoover History Lab is excited to extend an invitation to an enlightening Book Talk featuring renowned historian Dan Edelstein. Scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, this engaging event will take place from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM PT. Attendees can expect a deep dive into Edelstein's latest work, titled A Revolution to Come: A History of an Idea from Thucydides to Lenin.
The theme of revolution has undergone significant transformation throughout history. Once deemed one of the most significant political threats, revolutions have gradually been reinterpreted as potential solutions to a variety of social and political challenges. Esteemed political philosophers, from the ancient Greek thinker Plato to influential American statesman John Adams, regarded revolutions as dire threats to societal stability. They argued for the development of constitutions designed to mitigate these dangers by balancing various interests and governmental structures.
In his book, A Revolution to Come, Edelstein explores how, since the 18th century, a modern interpretation of historical progress has fostered the belief in revolution as a means to establish fair and equitable societies. This exploration raises compelling questions about the nature of political change and the philosophical underpinnings of our understanding of revolutions.
About the Speaker
Dan Edelstein currently holds the prestigious position of William H. Bonsall Professor of French at Stanford University, where he also serves as a Professor of Political Science and History by courtesy. His academic journey began at the University of Geneva, where he earned his Bachelor's degree, followed by a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. A Revolution to Come marks Edelstein's fourth significant contribution to the fields of European intellectual and political history, showcasing his expertise and passion for these topics.
About the Moderator
The discussion will be moderated by Stephen Kotkin, a distinguished fellow at the Hoover Institution and a senior fellow at Stanfords Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. Kotkin, who has a wealth of experience in academia, is also recognized as the Birkelund Professor in History and International Affairs emeritus at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, having taught there for an impressive 33 years. He earned his PhD at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley and has spent over three decades researching at the Hoover Library & Archives, enhancing his profound understanding of historical and political dynamics.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights into the complex relationship between revolutions and the evolution of political thought, as discussed by two leading scholars in the field.
