Leviathan

Or the Matter, Forme and Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil

Published in 1651, this foundational work of political philosophy examines the structure of society and the legitimate power of the state. The author argues that human beings in a state of nature exist in a condition of perpetual conflict and insecurity, necessitating a social contract to establish a powerful sovereign authority. The treatise explores concepts of civil law, liberty, religious authority, and the nature of commonwealths.

by Thomas Hobbes

Printed [by Thomas Warren and Richard Cotes] for Andrew Crooke, at the Green Dragon in St. Pauls Church-yard · First published 1651 · 396 pages