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 John Toland: Ireland's Forgotten Philosopher, Scholar ... and Heretic
by
J.N. Duggan
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This book sets out some of the more important aspects in the life and work of John Toland - scholar and philosopher of international renown; prolific writer on important political and religious issues of his day; a radical republican who challeged the divine right of kings; a diplomat whose Account of the Courts of Hanover and Berlin is still quoted by historians of the period; the first person to be called a freethinker (by Bishop Berkeley); the first to advocate full citizenship and equal rights for Jewish people.
These are just some of his notable achievements yet he remains largely unknown in his home country. Toland was born in 1670 and raised on the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal. He died in London in 1722, the city where he had resided for most of his life, although he was also a frequent visitor to the continent.
In his considerable volume of writings he challenged political and ecclesiastical authority. He is chiefly remembered today for what was in fact his first work, Christianity Not Mysterious (1696) - a book which was denounced in the English and Irish Parliaments and publicly burned in Dublin.
This volume includes the most comprehensive bibliography of John Toland works, his life and times available to date.
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Available to Buy Onlineas well as in all good bookshops. Price €7.99 plus P&P - €2.35 delivery within Ireland; €4.25 overseas.
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Reviews, etcToland is perhaps one of the most interesting characters in Irish history. He rose from obscurity in county Donegal to be a leading figure on the European stage, whose writings influenced princes and politicians. Duggan ... presents a brief, readable account of Toland and his times, quoting his subject and others extensively, and providing ... facsimiles ... a chronology ... bibliography of Toland's philosophical and political writings. - Books Ireland, December 2010. A work with a clear sense of vindication. It is a work that aims to awaken interest in philosophy and theology of John Toland - Jordi Morillas, Agon. Full review in Spanish available here.
The text is well written and the author gives a good sense of the personality of the man. Toland was notorious for his championing of reason over religion. He was the first person ever to be referred to as a "freethinker," and Toland himself coined the term "pantheism" to describe the philosophy of Spinoza, of whom he was a disciple. A contemporary of such philosophical luminaries as Berkeley, Leibniz, and Locke, Toland never enjoyed the renown or respect they received, largely because his works were too controversial for his time. The picture Duggan paints here is of a man who not only welcomed such controversy but enthusiastically pursued it. ... It's an enlightening piece of writing and worth the time spent. Its value is increased by a comprehensive bibliography of Toland's works. Anyone looking to learn more about this lesser-known figure of the Enlightenment should consider this a useful addition to their Kindle library. - Karl Janssen (Old Books by Dead Guys) Toland was a remarkable scholar who professed, in Duggan's interpretation, what we would now call liberalism: freedom of information and conscience, rights for Jews and people of all religions, a fair judiciary. He also had insight into early Irish texts. ... Congratulations to Duggan for reminding us of the life of this strange and unique thinker. - Rory Brennan, Books Ireland, February 2013.
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