Of the Social Contract and Other Political Writings - Tapa blanda

'Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains.'

These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has stirred vigorous debate ever since its first publication in 1762. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others, Rousseau argues instead for a pact, or 'social contract', that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. From this fundamental premise, he goes on to consider issues of liberty and law, freedom and justice, arriving at a view of society that has seemed to some a blueprint for totalitarianism, to others a declaration of democratic principles.

Translated by Quintin Hoare
With a new introduction by Christopher Bertram

'Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains'

Since its first publication in 1762, Of the Social Contract has shaped political thinking. Viewed by some as a revolutionary statement of democratic freedoms and by others as a precursor of tyranny, it has guided and inspired activists from the French Revolution to the democratic and liberation movements of the modern era. Rousseau's treatise sets out his ideal that citizens should be governed according to laws they have chosen themselves. This new edition also includes many other political writings by Rousseau, including the first English translation of a new reconstruction of Rousseau's manuscript of his Principles of the Right of War, along with key texts concerning Geneva, Poland and Corsica which give insight into how Rousseau envisaged his principles being put into practice.

Quintin Hoare's sensitive new translation conveys to the modern reader the flavour of Rousseau's eighteenth-century original. It is accompanied by an introduction by Christopher Bertram discussing Rousseau's life and views; the ideas, ambiguities and tensions within Of the Social Contract; its influence; and its place within Rousseau's other work.

Translated by Quintin Hoare
Edited with an introduction and notes by Christopher Bertram