Cambridge Readings in the History of Political Thought

Cambridge Readings in the History of Political Thought is an authoritative new series of anthologies, intended for students of politics, history and philosophy at all levels from introductory undergraduate upwards. Designed to cover major historical themes like the Enlightenment, or the impact of the French Revolution, each volume of Cambridge Readings will contain extracts from the principal political texts of the period, together with substantial editorial commentary and apparatus. The textual extracts are extensive but manageable for the beginning student, and well-known canonical writings are complemented by less familiar texts. The texts themselves are generally taken from the acclaimed editions published in the series of Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought, with authoritative new translations where necessary. There is an accessible introduction to each volume, and further guidance is offered by biographies of each writer and carefully selected bibliographies. These volumes enable the student to engage in depth with the intellectual context of particular periods, and to encounter at first hand some of the most influential and profound political thinking in the western tradition.