ORIGINS OF MODERNITY

political philosophy

Hobbes, Thomas (1588-1679)
Leviathan, or, The matter, forme, & power of a common-wealth ecclesiasticall and civill.
London : Printed for Andrew Crooke, 1651.

This work was written in Paris while Hobbes was in exile. It was printed in a small run in London prior to Hobbes' return to England. It gradually became extremely controversial, particularly among ther clergy and was mainly responsible for Hobbes' reputation in England as an atheist. Hobbes translated the work into Latin and although remaining controversial, it was treated with respect by European writers. It is now widely regarded as the most important work of political philosophy written in English, and has been appropriated to such fields of study as economics, game theory and psychology.