Great Political Theories V.1: A Comprehensive Selection of the Crucial Ideas in Political Philosophy from the Greeks to the Enlightenment (Harper Perennial Modern Thought) Paperback – March 11, 2008

Ordered for a class and the book came in great condition.

The book was in good shape and it has been a great help to me in my political science class. It's even been an intriging read.

Good recopilation of information. I would like it to be more clear about theories. The books helps you to hace aquick review of political history but is not so good for used as text guide while teaching

Comprehensive.

This is a great book. Very detailed and informative. Its a great purchase. Vol 1 and 2 are a must!

For as long as there has been recorded history, philosophers have attempted to discern how societies are governed best. This volume is an anthology of classic writings in political theory covering the time from the ancient Greeks to the eighteenth century and includes essays by Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Locke, and many other of the most eminent thinkers in world history.The book contains an introduction that describes some of the issues that political philosophy sets out to address and looks at how it does so. There are chapters in the book on Greece, Rome, Christianity, the Renaissance, the Reformation, constitutionalism, and many more, and each chapter also has an introduction that precedes the writings.Oligarchy, monarchy, democracy, and constitutionalism have been advocated by different philosophers down through the ages, and essays here attempt to assert the merits of each. Among the other topics examined are Epicureanism and Stoicism, divine right, the role of religion and how changes in religion effect change in politics, power and its limits (and the related issue of obedience and the right of resistance), and the separation of powers in a governmental system.Many thoughts expressed here are timeless while others have been eclipsed. There are also numerous incisive observations about life and the human condition. "The Great Political Theories" is a superb collection of essays, and I look forward to reading the second volume of this two-part series.

This is the first volume in a two-volume set (Great Political Theories V.2: A Comprehensive Selection of the Crucial Ideas in Political Philosophy from the French Revolution to Modern Times) that includes excerpts from the most important political thinkers in world history. Each important thinker such as Plato or Machiavelli is included and each is adorned with a short biography and a piece of their most important contribution. This volume begins in the 5th century B.C or thereabouts and comes up to the mid 18th century. A very good selection of thinkers, all the most important ones are here. This is a great introduction to the history of Political theory and political philosophy, a great achievement and also a wonderful place for anyone interested in the history of philosophy or western thought to begin.Seth J. Frantzman

I have volume 2 - and per a major move (new home, new library, more books, etc)..I went thru all my books and got rid of some, bought more, traded some, got hardbacks of paperbacks I wanted to replace, etc.I was relizing I was missing vol 1 after all this time, and decided to get vol 1.. but in my effort to find vol 1... I thought why not hardcover.Yes you can find v.1 or v.2 in hardcover... but can I find both in one hardcover.Example, 2 books of asimov on 'guide to the bible' is avialable as 2volumes in one book...Ive not yet been able to find if these 2 are available that way.if any advice, let me know..