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October 28, 2007
Enlightenment
James, from Brighton, writes
We are told that Gordon Brown is currently occupied with the subject of liberty and its history.
In particular, he is inspired by the work of Gertrude Himmelfarb, such as her 2004 book The Roads to Modernity: The British, French, and American Enlightenments.
Are Brighton and Hove libraries typical of the country in not having a copy of this? Indeed, the three books by her in its holdings are kept out of sight in the Store.
Mr Brown has presumably been able to buy or cadge a copy of The Roads to Modernity but many residents are, perforce, going to remain unenlightened.
Later in the afternoon James has been further exploring the interwaves:
There are also no copies of the book in all of the East and the West Sussex libraries.
What more evidence does Gordon Brown need that if the people of England are to enjoy true liberty, they need well-stocked libraries with stimulating and intelligent books?
Posted by Perkins at October 28, 2007 3:02 PM