R. G. Collingwood: An Autobiography and other writings: with essays on Collingwood's life and work

David Boucher · Teresa Smith

Dec 2013 · OUP Oxford

About this ebook

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 This volume republishes the Autobiography alongside a previously unpublished account by Collingwood of a journey to the East Indies in 1938-1939.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.

About the author

David Boucher is Professor in Political Philosophy and International Relations, Cardiff University, and Distinguished Visiting Professor, University of Johannesburg. He is also Vice President of the Learned Society of Wales. His most recent books are The Limits of Ethics in International Relations (Oxford University Press, 2009) and British Idealism: A Guide for the Perplexed (with Andrew Vincent, Continuum, 2011). Teresa Smith is R. G. Collingwood's daughter by his second wife, Kate Collingwood. From the late 1960s she worked as a university lecturer in the Department of Social and Administrative Studies at Oxford, and was head of the Oxford Department of Social Policy and Social Work for ten years and fellow of St Hilda's College. She advised the House of Commons Select Committee for Education on early education during the Labour administration. Her publications include 'From educational priority areas to area-based interventions: community, neighbourhood and preschool', in Edwards, R ed. Researching families and communities: social and generational change (Routledge, 2008); 'Whatever happened to EPAs? Part 2: Educational Priority Areas forty years on', Forum, (2007, with Smith G, and Smith, Tom); and Smith, T. et al. The Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative National Evaluation: Final Integrated Report. London: Sure Start / DfES; Smith GAN and Smith T. (2006).