This comprehensive volume contains much of the important work in political and social philosophy from ancient times until the end of the nineteenth century. The anthology offers both depth and breadth in its selection of material by central figures, while also representing other currents of political thought. Thucydides, Seneca, and Cicero are included along with Plato and Aristotle; Al-Farabi, Marsilius of Padua, and de Pizan take their place alongside Augustine and Aquinas; Astell and Constant are presented in the company of Locke, Rousseau, and Wollstonecraft.

The editors have made every effort to include translations that are both readable and reliable. Every selection has been painstakingly annotated, and each figure is given a substantial introduction highlighting his or her major contribution within the tradition. In order to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and accessibility, the editors have consulted dozens of leading academics during the course of the anthology’s development (a number of whom have contributed introductory material as well as advice). The result is an anthology with unparalleled pedagogical benefits, and one that truly breaks new ground.

Andrew Bailey is an award winning comedian, writer and monologist. His shows include The Adversary, Scrupulosity, Limbo and Putz. He is also one of the primary writers and actors of the Atomic Vaudeville cabaret, having appeared in more than fifty episodes since 2004. He lives in Vancouver

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Samantha Brennan is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario. Her main research interest is contemporary normative ethics and she is also interested in feminist moral and political philosophy. She has written numerous papers on moral rights and, with Robert Noggle, some on children’s rights.

Robert Noggle is a professor of philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Central Michigan. His research interests include the relationship between moral theory and the nature of persons, personal autonomy, and the moral and political status of children. His most recent publications include “Special Agents: Children’s Autonomy and Parental Authority” (in The Moral and Political Status of Children, edited by David Archard and Colin McLeod, 2003).

 

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Will Kymlicka is the Canada Research Chair in Political Philosophy at Queen’s University. He is the author of seven books published by Oxford University Press, most recently Zoopolis: A Political Theory of Animal Rights (2011), co-authored with Sue Donaldson. His previous books include Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights (1995) and Multicultural Odysseys: Navigating the New International Politics of Diversity (2007). In 2013, he delivered the HLA Hart Memorial Lecture at the University of Oxford on Animals and the Frontiers of Citizenship.

 

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Alex Sager is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Portland State University. He specializes in social and political philosophy among other areas of research.

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“The selections are broader than in other works I have seen. The annotation is, as advertised, fuller than is usual in such works, and consistently helpful. All in all, this is an impressive work—by far the best political anthology I have seen.” — George Klosko, Henry L. and Grace Doherty Professor, University of Virginia

“This is an admirable collection of primary readings, including sources not usually available in volumes of this kind. The introductory materials and annotations by the editors provide clear orientation on the primary texts, while noting debated questions. Highly recommended.” — Douglas Moggach, University of Ottawa

“Quite simply, this is a fantastic anthology. It includes not just the standard readings from the western canon but also important ones left out of most anthologies, including several by women. The anthology includes concise, accurate, and extremely helpful introductions, which include, uniquely, a discussion of ‘common misperceptions’ of each work. These introductions are perfectly pitched for an undergraduate audience.” — Darren Walhof, Grand Valley State University

“Broadview has long been one of my favorite presses because of its commitment to affordable but high-quality texts. This two-volume project in general and its first, historical volume in particular live up to that ideal, including extremely thoughtful but succinct editorial introductions and incorporating more than the most obvious canonical figures. Particularly heartening is to see included here many frequently-ignored woman theorists. Their inclusion is of more than antiquarian interest or a sign of the editors catering to current trends: the texts are important and help significantly enrich students’ understanding, especially of the development of modern thought. I definitely intend to use The Broadview Anthology of Social and Political Thought in my introductory theory course in the future.” — Mika LaVaque-Manty, University of Michigan

“With its broader-than-usual range of political thinkers, including in particular more women authors, and its critical apparatus, the first volume of The Broadview Anthology of Social and Political Thought will be a most welcome resource for courses introducing students to political thinking from Thucydides to Nietzsche.” — Matthias Fritsch, Concordia University

“This unique volume accomplishes what few anthologies are able to: it is, at the same time, an excellent teaching tool and an indispensible part of any scholar’s library. Its scope reflects thoughtful and inclusive choices. The explanatory commentaries which precede the work of each theorist are well presented, helpful, and in some cases, clear muddy waters by directly tackling common misconceptions. This is a ‘must-have’ resource for anyone studying or teaching political theory today.” — Avigail Eisenberg, University of Victoria

“This is a remarkable anthology, offering invaluable range and depth both in its selection of historical texts, and in the illuminating introductions which preface the work of each thinker. It will be a rich resource for students and tutors at all levels of the study of social and political ideas.” — Gideon Calder, University of Wales, Newport