German Enlightenment at Revolution's Dawn

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. "Such an oath creates a state within a state," warns Wieland, a prominent Freemason, as he examines the shadowy world of Illuminati and cosmopolitan ideals just before the old order would collapse. Johann Gottfried Herder's "Ideas for a Philosophy of the History of Mankind" presents a comprehensive theory of human development written as the revolution unfolded. "Rome disturbed the balance of the world, and under its sway, a world bled. What new order will rise from this upheaval?" Herder asks, developing a philosophy of progress that remains surprisingly relevant today. 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, progress, 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.