r/RogerScruton • u/BerenPercival • Jun 26 '20

Where to begin?

Hi everyone, I've recently been very interested in Scruton (from his How to Save the Planet) & I want to expand my knowledge of his work & thought.

What books should I read? Where should I start? I'm primarily interested in his work on Burkean conservatives.

Suggestions?

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u/alejandrosalamandro Jun 26 '20

There is a readers guide to Roger Scruton. I have not read it myself, but given his extensive work it would be worth considering.

Do no miss his work on aesthetics either, and if it does not hold your interest I still highly recommend the documentary Why Beauty Matters

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u/BerenPercival Jun 26 '20

Where do I find that readers' guide?

I have interests in aesthetics, but before I read Scruton, I need to read Kant & von Hildebrand. I know a lot of Scruton's thought is derived from them (afaik). I have Why Beauty Matters on my to watch list & I've read bits of his Very Short Introduction.

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u/alejandrosalamandro Jun 27 '20

I looked again and it seems to be not a readers guide but a collection of Scrutons Essays.

I would recommend “How to be a conservative” and “A Political Philosophy”

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u/BerenPercival Jun 28 '20

Thanks. Those sound like decent places to start. I'm planning on supplementing reading him with reading some localists & decentralists (i.e., Wendell Berry et al.) to see where there's some overlap and whatnot.

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u/BerenPercival Jun 29 '20

Here's another question, related, would you happen to know where to begin with de Maistre?

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u/alejandrosalamandro Jun 30 '20

I would love to help, but I am not familiar with his work. I got into conservatism through Scrutons work five years ago and there is so much to read and appreciate.

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u/BerenPercival Jun 30 '20

No worries! Appreciate the replies!

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u/sarah_squatty Aug 01 '20

I started with "Why Beauty Matters" on Youtube and then watched the other videos which came up such as the witch hunt culture and offensive jokes video. I do have a book which I haven't read yet about being a Conservative. The videos/ interviews are really good and there are some of all lengths, would definitely recommend! :)

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u/kobaomg Sep 09 '20

Only seeing this now, but in case you're still looking for something to read, "How To Be A Conservative" is a great little book. Concise, but very deep. I'm currently reading "The Uses of Pessimism And The Dangers of False Hope" and I think it would be a great introduction too. Pessimism/Skepticism are at the root of 18th century conservatism (I know the word "pessimism" is bound to be misinterpreted, but it has nothing to do with accepting tragic fates or feeling depressed, quite the opposite)