Montesquieu’s Science of Politics: Essays on the Spirit of Laws

In what constitutes the only English-language collection of essays ever dedicated to the analysis of Montesquieu’s contributions to political science, the contributors review some of the most vexing controversies that have arisen in the interpretation of Montesquieu’s thought. By paying careful attention to the historical, political, and philosophical contexts of Montesquieu’s ideas, the contributors provide fresh readings of The Spirit of Laws, clarify the goals and ambitions of its author, and point out the pertinence of his thinking to the problems of our world today.

David W. Carrithers is professor of government at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Michael A. Mosher is professor of political science at the University of Tulsa. Paul A. Rahe is professor of history at the University of Tulsa.