Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 2 of 3), Essay 4: Joseph de Maistre

"Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 2 of 3), Essay 4: Joseph de Maistre" by John Morley is an essay that examines the life and thoughts of Joseph de Maistre, a major voice against the Enlightenment and French Revolution. Morley's essay explores De Maistre's journey and arguments, revealing his strong disagreement with Enlightenment ideas and his push for a stronger role for the Pope to bring back order to Europe. Morley sets the scene by explaining the importance of De Maistre’s beliefs in light of the changes happening in France in the early 1800s, highlighting the contrast between the Catholic response in France and the Protestant views common in England; this essay paints a picture of De Maistre as a central figure in the clash of ideas during a time of great change.