Princeton Readings in Political Thought

Rating:
Summary: Where the Great Political Philosophers Dwell
Review: A very enjoyable book. I especially like the selections on Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and Machiavelli. Such selections reflect a theoretical unity, rather than a distance, between the theorists' works. Thus, rather than select excerpts unconnected to other excerpts, the editors attempt to develop chronological theme(s) around the works--when possible--that allow students to see progressions, pauses, and reliances, upon previous political writings. Because of this organized unity--which I think works--I could examine Hobbes' 'state of nature' in light of Locke's, and explore how Locke's theory of man is at least an acknowledgment--if not an extension-of Hobbes' work. Similarly, I could look to the authors of the Federalist papers and explore how such concepts of government were influenced, if only indirectly, by the writings of Hobbes and/or Locke.

In addition to offering a wide representation of the Modern era, the book nicely represents the Classical and Medieval periods, with useful selections from Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, and Augustine. Useful, too, are the selections from _The Prince_ and _Discourses_. Unlike some books which offer selections only from _Prince_, Princeton incorporates _Discourses_, which I think furthers and grounds a deeper understanding of _Prince_.

Thorough and extensive introductions, as well as bold headings within the excerpts, serve as introductions, of course, but also ways to direct the reader to interesting transitions

I would recommend this book for any Poly Theory course, especially one with a focus on classical and modern political thought.

Rating:
Summary: Where the Great Political Philosophers Dwell
Review: A very enjoyable book. I especially like the selections on Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau and Machiavelli. Such selections reflect a theoretical unity, rather than a distance, between the theorists' works. Thus, rather than select excerpts unconnected to other excerpts, the editors attempt to develop chronological theme(s) around the works--when possible--that allow students to see progressions, pauses, and reliances, upon previous political writings. Because of this organized unity--which I think works--I could examine Hobbes' 'state of nature' in light of Locke's, and explore how Locke's theory of man is at least an acknowledgment--if not an extension-of Hobbes' work. Similarly, I could look to the authors of the Federalist papers and explore how such concepts of government were influenced, if only indirectly, by the writings of Hobbes and/or Locke.

In addition to offering a wide representation of the Modern era, the book nicely represents the Classical and Medieval periods, with useful selections from Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, and Augustine. Useful, too, are the selections from _The Prince_ and _Discourses_. Unlike some books which offer selections only from _Prince_, Princeton incorporates _Discourses_, which I think furthers and grounds a deeper understanding of _Prince_.

Thorough and extensive introductions, as well as bold headings within the excerpts, serve as introductions, of course, but also ways to direct the reader to interesting transitions

I would recommend this book for any Poly Theory course, especially one with a focus on classical and modern political thought.

Rating:
Summary: Stoking the Flames of a Poli Sci Interest
Review: This book was a harmonious accompaniment to my first college Political Science course; its contents are an artfully selected collection of thought-provoking essays. I can truly say that this book and the course in which it was used were instrumental in my ultimate decision to pursue Political Science! I offer the highest reccomendations for students studying politics to read this text.