Fools, Frauds and Firebrands

Fools, Frauds and Firebrands examines key thinkers of the New Left from 1945 to the present day. Scruton analyzes the works of influential figures including Sartre, Foucault, Habermas, and Badiou. The book dissects leftist intellectual traditions through detailed critiques of their central arguments and philosophical foundations. Scruton draws on his background as a conservative philosopher to evaluate these thinkers' views on capitalism, society, and human nature. A systematic review of each figure's major works reveals patterns in leftist thought across decades and national boundaries. The text includes extensive analysis of original source material and places each thinker in their historical context. The book raises fundamental questions about the relationship between political ideology and truth-seeking in academic discourse. Through his examination of these influential leftist thinkers, Scruton challenges readers to consider how intellectual movements shape social and political reality.

Readers describe the book as a thorough critique of left-wing intellectuals and their ideas, focusing on thinkers like Sartre, Foucault, and Habermas. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of complex philosophical concepts - Detailed analysis of each thinker's arguments - Strong counter-arguments supported by evidence - Engaging writing style despite dense subject matter Critical reviews mention: - Conservative bias affects objectivity - Oversimplifies some leftist positions - Too dismissive of subjects' contributions - Can read as polemical rather than analytical Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (156 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (89 ratings) Sample reader quote: "Even if you disagree with Scruton's conclusions, his analysis helps understand both sides of these philosophical debates" - Amazon reviewer Critical quote: "The author's disdain for his subjects sometimes overshadows the legitimate critiques" - Goodreads reviewer

The Conservative Mind by Russell Kirk A chronicle of conservative intellectuals from Edmund Burke through the 20th century explores philosophical opposition to progressive ideologies.

The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis An examination of moral relativism and its effects on education and cultural values presents parallels to Scruton's critique of modern intellectual movements.

The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom A critique of academic institutions and intellectual trends demonstrates how relativism and postmodernism have influenced modern education and culture.

The New Class War by Michael Lind An analysis of the divide between metropolitan elites and working-class populations reveals the cultural and political tensions Scruton addresses.

Intellectuals and Society by Thomas Sowell A study of the role intellectuals play in shaping public policy and social movements examines the consequences of their theories on society.

🔹 Roger Scruton initially published the book in 1985 under the title "Thinkers of the New Left," but it was met with such hostile criticism that his publisher withdrew it from circulation. 🔹 The 2015 revised edition includes new chapters on modern thinkers like Slavoj Žižek and Alain Badiou, expanding its critique of left-wing intellectual thought into the 21st century. 🔹 Scruton wrote the book while serving as editor of The Salisbury Review, a conservative journal that cost him significant professional opportunities in British academia due to its controversial positions. 🔹 Despite being a fierce critic of left-wing intellectuals, Scruton maintained personal friendships with several of the thinkers he criticized, including Czech philosopher Julius Tomin. 🔹 The book's analysis spans multiple countries and languages, reflecting Scruton's ability to engage with complex philosophical texts in French, German, and Eastern European traditions.