The Political Classics

This study of classic texts is designed to enable students of political ideas gain a full appreciation of the great works which form the foundation of the subject. It spans a critical period - from the turbulent era of the American and French Revolutions through to the calmer waters of the 19th century. Seven classic texts have been chosen for analysis: Hamilton's "The Federalist", Sieyes' "What is the Third Estate?", Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France", Hegel's "The Philosophy of Right", de Tocqueville's "Democracy in America", Marx and Engels' "Communist Manifesto" and Mill's "On Liberty". Together they illustrate and express the main themes of the period. The most prominent of these is the growing distinction between state and society and the problems that this brings in its train. Other themes embrace the interplay of revolution and reaction, the growth of representative government and the challenge posed by democracy. This volume follows "The Political Classics: Plato to Rousseau".