A History of Freedom

By: Rufus J. Fears, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Rufus J. Fears

Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

It can be argued that one simple idea - the concept of freedom - has been the driving force of Western civilization and may be the most influential intellectual force the world has ever known. But what is freedom, exactly? These 36 engaging lectures tell the dramatic story of freedom from ancient Greece to our own day, exploring a concept so close to us we may never have considered it with the thoroughness it deserves.

In exploring what freedom meant to Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, and other great historical figures, you'll probe a range of provocative issues related to a concept we in the 21st century sometimes take for granted. What does it take to be free, to have and to hold liberty? What role do the liberal arts and the world of the intellect play in the life of a free society or a free individual? How should we understand the relationship among freedom, religion, and morality?

With Professor Fears guiding and informing your thinking, you explore the birth of the idea of freedom in Greece and the story of the world's first democracy; the status and meaning of freedom in both the Roman Republic and the Empire; the role of Christianity in that flowering of freedom, and the Christian view of the true meaning of human liberation; the debates about freedom that informed the framing and ratification of the United States Constitution; its awful testing on the battlefields of the Civil War; the struggles of free peoples against domestic injustices and foreign dictatorships during the 20th century; and the questions about freedom we still face today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2001 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2001 The Great Courses

Amazing

Professor Fears is quite simply the most informed mind and best lecturer I have ever heard in my life. I was looking for a foundation of knowledge upon which to base further learning in the future. If you’re seeking the same, I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

For Everyone

professor Fears is captivating. This course should studied by every American.
Our freedom is not free!

Outstanding history

Fascinating history of ideas and the people who best represented them. Explains so much about how we are today. Highly recommended.

A remarkable journey through history

Professor Fears has a particular style to his teaching. if may be divisive but it is interesting and attention grabbing. He tells the story of freedom with enthusiasm. it is well worth the listen, it is a refreshing discourse.

A World Class Course in Freedom

This should be a compulsory course for every high school student in the US!!! It is such a shame Dr Fears is no longer with us. I would have loved to discuss the history of freedom over some adult beverages.

Fun and Compelling

The avuncular Dr. Fears is always entertaining. I wish I had him as a professor. All of the reviews complaining that this course is "too American-centered" or something like that are wrong. How can one trace the history of freedom and not rely heavily on the United States? That Dr. Fears doesn't hate his own country or look for things to "trouble" him will trouble some folks, but if you want to hear a sensible overview of the subject, this is a good place to begin. Like many people, I have begin listening to some of these Great Courses but lost interest as they proceeded. I likested to all 36 lectures of this one.

Thoughtful, engaging tour

I suggest first listening to Famous Romans and Famous Greeks as a foundation for this wonderful course, although it would be beneficial even without them.

I love Prof. Fears. His good-humored, unique style of storytelling combined with his vast knowledge and wise insights keep me coming back for more. This course was certainly thought-provoking; don't expect it to be an affirmation of everything you already think. And be aware that you'll be left with a sense of responsibility for the future of freedom.

This is an Amazing program

I loved every lecture. His ability to tell a story and stick to the narrative is unmatched in my humble opinion. Curriculums on American history and world history should be taught with this narrative. I would recommend this program too anyone. Its entertaining, informative, and has to me a spiritual/ self help aspect to it. Order it and enjoy.... Peace

Mandatory.

Every citizen should read this book. This is the path of freedom and articulates where we have come from and how we need to maintain that path.

Very inspiring series!!

This was a tour de force, very inspiring and though provoking; I thoroughly enjoyed it