G. Lowes Dickinson 
A Modern Symposium [PDF ebook] 

First published in 1905, A Modern Symposium presents a record of a discussion between men at the Seekers club- a now extinct, but then famous, club for men prominent in politics or in the professions- that used to meet fortnightly to listen to, and discuss papers on varying subjects. The group included politicians, a professor, a journalist and a poet, amongst others. At this particular meeting, the participants start their discussion by discussing reasons for going into politics in the first place, and why the key speakers aligned themselves with particular political parties, which leads on to a full and thought-provoking discussion of civilisation.

‘Has been a source of inspiration to many thousands of readers… It is almost an encyclopaedia of common sense.’

Everyman

‘One of the most thought-provoking and, therefore, useful books of our time. No one interested in the problems of life, as these are presented to us day by day, can fail to be the wiser and better by a perusal of Professor Lowes Dickinson’s admirable statement of these problems and the hints he gives on their solution.’

Scottish Educational Journal

‘A brilliant little book, at once serious and gay, in which various contrasted characters discuss our civilisation.’

E. M. Forster in The Listener