German Enlightenment at Revolution’s Dawn - Featuring “The Secret of the Order of Cosmopolitans”, “Ideas for a Philosophy of the History of Mankind”, Book 15

Two groundbreaking texts from the German Enlightenment-one written on the eve of the French Revolution, the other during its early years-available in modern English translation for the first time.

Christoph Martin Wieland's "The Secret of the Order of Cosmopolitans" (1788) offers a fascinating exploration of secret societies and moral dilemmas on the precipice of revolutionary change.

Johann Gottfried Herder's "Ideas for a Philosophy of the History of Mankind, Book 15" presents a comprehensive theory of human development written as the revolution unfolded.

Together, these works provide an intimate window into German intellectual life during one of history's most pivotal moments-revealing how Enlightenment thinkers grappled with questions of governance, censorship, and human nature as the world transformed around them.

Both texts are thoroughly annotated by editor Jean Delaube, providing essential context and insights for modern readers.