Following two years of translation and editing work the book with selected works by Erik Gustaf Geijer was released on 22 August, in Stockholm, Sjöfartshuset. Link to the book-release on August 22nd in Stockholm
The book includes many of Geijer’s most important works related to history and political theory, from 1803 to 1847. It gives a broad view of the development of Geijer’s thought, from early romantic patriotic themes to a market friendly and openly classical liberal outlook. Geijer was well read in contemporary discourse, and represents a mixture of British liberal moral philosophy and German idealism. Geijer is interesting also for the current debate in related themes.
Erik Gustaf Geijer (1783-1847) was an internationally renowned scholar in numerous fields, most prominently a history professor at Uppsala University for nearly thirty years. He held a variety of significant positions, such as Member of Parliament, member of several prestigious academies, and Chancellor of Uppsala University. In addition, he was also a celebrated poet, musician and composer.
He was well versed in the academic and popular debate and published a vast number of articles, essays and books, though only few have been translated into English. Hence, this book will offer to many a first, primary introduction to Geijer’s work.
“My own curiosity towards Erik Gustaf Geijer stems from a fascination of Sweden in the latter part of the 18th century and its development into the first decades of the 19th century. This was an era of upheaval, during which the country went through a number of revolutionary phases. Beginning in the mid-1700’s Sweden experienced pre-democratic parliamentarism, royal despotism, the murder of King Gustavus III, the dethronement of King Gustavus IV, with coup d’états-like events in 1772, 1789, 1792 and 1809. Geijer lived through the latter of these events and analysed and wrote about them through his life.”
Björn Hasselgren, PhD, editor
The book includes an introduction by Professor Lars Magnusson, Uppsala University, giving an overview of Geijer’s life and thought. Professor Magnusson is also discussing the book in the release seminar, together with professor em Svante Nordin.
Peter C Hogg has translated the texts. Björn Hasselgren has edited the book and led the translation project. Editorial assistance was given by professor Daniel Klein.
The following texts are included in the book:
- Editor’s preface
- Erik Gustaf Geijer – an Introduction, Lars Magnusson
- Reflections on Erik Gustaf Geijer’s Poor Law Essays, Björn Hasselgren
- Panegyric on the Regent Sten Sture the Elder
- Feudalism and Republicanism
- On Slavery
- On the Internal Social Conditions of Our Time, with Particular Reference to the Fatherland
- An Economic Dream
“Erik Gustaf Geijer wrote richly in the historical dimension but the spirit is that of moral philosophy, heavily influenced by the British moralists, notably Adam Smith. This collection enhances our understanding of how cultural giants across Europe were influenced and inspired by British classical liberalism.”
Daniel B Klein, professor in Economics, George Mason University.
A video from the release seminar (in Swedish) is available here: Release seminar
The book is available for purchase here Link to Timbro book order page
A pdf file of the book can be obtained by emailing the editor.
The translation project has been generously supported by: Reinhold Geijer, The Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities (Kgl. Vitterhetsakademien, Jernkontoret (The Organisation of Swedish Steel Producers), The Royal Patriotic Society (Kgl. Patriotiska Sällskapet) and Timbro Förlag.
@HasselgrenB on "Market and Planning - individuality or collectivism" 