Hobbes
A Biography

A complete and accessible biography of Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679).

A. P. Martinich (Author)

9780521495837, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 April 1999

424 pages, 16 b/w illus.
23.7 x 16.3 x 3.3 cm, 0.73 kg

'I was soon gripped by Professor Martinich's clear exposition and incisive comments.' Expository Times

Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) is recognized as one of the fathers of modern philosophy and political theory. In his own time he was as famous for his work in physics, geometry, and religion. He associated with some of the greatest writers, scientists, and politicians of his age. Martinich has written a complete and accessible biography of Hobbes. The book takes full account of the historical and cultural context in which Hobbes lived, drawing on both published and unpublished sources. It will be a great resource for philosophers, political theorists and historians of ideas. The clear, crisp prose style will also ensure that the book appeals to general readers with an interest in the history of philosophy, the rise of modern science and the English Civil War.

Preface
Introduction
A note on dates
Chronology
1. Malmesbury and Magdalen Hall, 1588–1608
2. Tutor and companion, 1608–20
3. Secretary and humanist, 1621–9
4. Early scientific studies and religious views, 1629–40
5. The elements of law, natural and politic, 1640
6. A decade of exile, 1641–51 (I)
7. A decade of exile, 1641–51 (II)
8. Leviathan and the engagement controversy, 1651–3
9. Demonstrations and disputations, 1652–9
10. Baiting the bear, 1660–9
11. The final years, 1670–9
A bibliographical essay
Abbreviations
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD]