ISBN : 9780199586035
This volume presents a many-faceted view of the Oxford philosopher R. G. Collingwood. At its centre is his Autobiography, published in 1939, which has the status of a cult classic for its compelling 'story of his thought'. Collingwood's work has enjoyed renewed attention in recent years, with new editions of his great philosophical works. This volume republishes the Autobiography alongside a previously unpublished account by Collingwood of a journey to the East Indies in 1938-1939. These writings are accompanied by eleven specially written essays. Several of these examine aspects of Collingwood's life-not just the Autobiography, but what he doesn't discuss in that work, from his childhood to his professorship at Oxford. And the essays also examine aspects of his work on philosophy, politics, history, and archaeology, in the context of his life.
Notes on Contributors
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction: The Biography of An Autobiography, David Boucher and Teresa Smith
PART I: R. G. Collingwood, An Autobiography
Commentaries
1: Collingwood's Childhood: Habits of Thought, Teresa Smith
2: The Oxford Man, James Patrick
3: Collingwood's Critique of Oxbridge Realism, Michael Beaney
4: Collingwood as Archaeologist and Historian, Tony Birley
5: Collingwood's Philosophy of History in the Year of his Autobiography, Jan van der Dussen
6: The Historicity of Thought, Bruce Haddock
7: From Method to Metaphysics, Rex Martin
8: Collingwood and European Liberalism, David Boucher
9: Collingwood Controversies, James Connelly
10: The Autobiography as Literature, Philip Smallwood
PART II: R. G. Collingwood, Log of a Journey in the East Indies, 1938-1939
Commentary
A Philosopher's Journey: Collingwood's voyage to the East Indies 1938-39, and its relation to An Autobiography and other writings, Wendy James
R. G. Collingwood, A letter from Bali to his sister Barbara Gnosspelius, 23 December 1938