Spencer: Political Writings

Contains some of the most influential criticisms of socialism ever written.

Herbert Spencer (Author), John Offer (Edited by)

9780521437400, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 October 1993

228 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.3 cm, 0.3 kg

This book places Spencer's famous argument for political individualism in his The Man versus the State alongside his early The Proper Sphere of Government, out of which, after due gestation, emerged not only The Man versus the State but also Social Status and his all-embracing theory of evolution. Both are valuable as unyielding statements of anti-state political theory and as sources of perceptive comments on political events of the times. An introduction sets them in their context and examines their main themes. The book will be of interest to both undergraduates and specialists in politics, political theory, social policy, sociology and history.

Introduction
Principal events in Spencer's life
Bibliographical note
Editor's note
The Proper Sphere of Government
The Man versus the State
Appendix: Spencer's article of 1836 on the Poor Law
Index.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]