John Selden and the Western Political Tradition

This detailed analysis establishes John Selden as one of the most interesting and important early modern political theorists.

Ofir Haivry (Author)

9781108978125, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 January 2021

532 pages, 12 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.2 x 3.1 cm, 0.806 kg

'Haivry is a clear guide to their coherence and the creative and comprehensive quality of his political action, thinking, and writing. The conclusion of the book offers a concise summary of Selden's political thought and its relevance for today. Time spent considering Haivry's John Selden, will be amply rewarded.' Stephen Varvis, Fides et Historia

Legal and political theorist, common lawyer and parliamentary leader, historian and polyglot, John Selden (1584–1654) was a formidable figure in Renaissance England, whose real importance and influence are now being recognized once again. John Selden and the Western Political Tradition highlights his important role in the development of such early modern political ideas as modern natural law and natural rights, national identity and tradition, the political integration of church and state, and the effect of Jewish ideas on Western political thought. Selden's political ideas are analysed in the context of his contemporaries Grotius, Hobbes and Filmer. The book demonstrates how these ideas informed and influenced more familiar works of later thinkers like Burke.

Preface
1. Introduction: 'Glory of the English nation' – the life, works and ideas of John Selden
2. Selden and the early modern crisis of knowledge and obligation
3. Selden and the early modern dispute about the foundations of political order
4. Law 'fitted to the genius of the nation': Selden's theory of national tradition in law and politics
5. Selden and the 'universal philosophy of morals' drawn from the Hebrew tradition
6. A 'single sword': Selden's theory of religion and state
7. Conclusion: John Selden and the tradition of historical constitutionalism
Sources.

Subject Areas: Social & political philosophy [HPS], Philosophy [HP], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], British & Irish history [HBJD1], European history [HBJD], Regional & national history [HBJ], History [HB], Humanities [H]