John Selden and the Western Political Tradition

'John Selden was known to be the most learned person in England. His remarkably wide-ranging corpus of work should be of interest to historians and philosophers of law, constitutional theorists, biblical scholars and historians of religion, and political and social theorists. Many of the problems that Selden wrestled with remain our own. All of this calls out for an examination of the broader significance and coherence of Selden's work. Haivry's book is a noteworthy contribution in providing just that.' Steven Grosby, Clemson University, South Carolina

'For the first time, thanks to Ofir Haivry's crisply written and lucid book, one can understand why John Selden was so respected in his own day, and one can fully appreciate the character and importance of his contribution to the development of political, social, and legal thought. This volume is a real eye-opener. It clarifies, as never before, why the common-law mindset remained dominant in England throughout the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries.' Paul Rahe, Hillsdale College, Michigan

'Based upon a vast first-hand knowledge of both primary and secondary sources, Ofir Haivry's impressive inquiry into John Selden's life, works, thought, and fortune, has the rarest merit of combining two virtues: philological scrupulousness, and philosophical sensitiveness. Haivry's deep understanding of Selden's thought helps us see that he was not only a brilliant jurist and a learned antiquarian like so many scholars of his time, but also a genuine philosopher, with a peculiar gnoseology rooted in some aspects of Aristotle, as well as an original political theorist: maybe the only one who has seriously engaged in reconciling natural law, given to all men, and common law, historically emerging as national tradition. Particularly rewarding did I find Haivry's pages on the universal philosophy of morals Selden draws from the Hebrew tradition.' Professor Sergio Caruso, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy

'This book offers a fresh reassessment of John Selden's position and role in the western political tradition. … Ofir Haivry's well-researched, convincing book has reconstructed John Selden's political theory in a coherent, comprehensive manner, accurately reassessed his contributions to the English constitutional tradition and, thus, appropriately repositioned his work within the western political tradition.' Diego Lucci, The Journal of Ecclesiastical History

'The book displays a complete mastery of the subject matter and historical context. It deserves a wide readership not only for anyone seeking to know more about Selden, but anyone interested in the seventeenth century.' Benjamin B. Saunders, Australian Journal of Politics and History

'Haivry is a clear guide to their coherence and the creative and comprehensive quality of his political action, thinking, and writing. The conclusion of the book offers a concise summary of Selden's political thought and its relevance for today. Time spent considering Haivry's John Selden, will be amply rewarded.' Stephen Varvis, Fides et Historia