Accused in some quarters of cultural elitism, Arnold's ideas continue to occupy the foreground of the debate, and for this reason the edition includes specially commissioned essays which set the text within contemporary, multicultural ...

His exploration of the clash between tradition and progress remains relevant in today's fast-paced world, making this book a timeless classic.

This edition also contains a chronology of Arnold's life, a bibliographical guide and full notes on the names and historical events mentioned in the texts.