Hobbes: A Biography - Hardcover

Martinich, A. P.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521495830 ISBN 13: 9780521495837

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1999

Synopsis

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) is now 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 including Ben Jonson, Galileo and King Charles II. A. P. Martinich has written the most complete and accessible biography of Hobbes available. The book takes full account of the historical and cultural context in which Hobbes lived, drawing on both published and unpublished sources.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. A. P. Martinich is a Professor of Philosophy and the author or editor of nine books, including The Philosophy of Language (1996), Philosophical Writing (1997), and The Two Gods of Leviathan (Cambridge University Press, 1992).

About this title

Book Description:

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) is now recognized as one of the fathers of modern philosophy and political theory. A. P. Martinich has written the most complete and accessible biography of Hobbes available. The book takes full a ccount of the historical and cultural context in which Hobbes lived, drawing on both published and unpublished sources.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.

Review:

"Martinich brings back the whole man, multifaceted and controversial....and only Martinich's exceptional acuity as a biographer enables him to follow Hobbes through all his varied pursuits, uncovering long-forgotten details in every episode....A careful and readable biography." Bryce Christensen, Booklist

"...the best all-around biography of Thomas Hobbes available." David Johnston, Columbia University

"...must reading for any person interested in intellectual history. This is a brilliantly written, witty, accurate and absorbing account of the turbulent period in which Hobbes lived and wrote. It deals with such subjects as the rise of modern science, religious discord, the rejection of political absolutism, and civil war. Its scope is extraordinary...I recommend it enthusiastically." Avrom Stroll, University of California, San Diego

"Martinich's writing style is clear, and his exposition of Hobbes's thought is well within the reach of most readers....Written by a Hobbes expert...this biography should serve most libraries well and should certainly be a part of any political theory or political philosophy collection." Library Journal

"A scholar's biography, this book will become a standard work for students of Hobbes (1588-1679)." Kirkus Reviews

"Martinich superbly develops Hobbes' relationship with the intellectual, religious, and political milieu of Stuart England." Boston Book Review

"...Intellectual tour de force...." Kirkus Reviews

"Martinich's book is interesting mostly for the light it throws on Hobbes's religious beliefs. Martinich's study of Hobbes provides a timely reminder of this pressing and relevant truth." William Christian, Toronto Globe & Mail

"In an easy-to-read style, Martinich's biography of Thomas Hobbes, the great English philosopher of the 17th century, captures the flow of Hobbes's life and intellectual accomplishment in those interesting times....this is an easily accessible, very useful, and worthwhile book." Choice

"...written in a lucid style...enlivened with many anecdotes and humorous asides....straightforwardly organized....well produced....to reach a wide audience." Albion

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0521495830
• ISBN 13: 9780521495837
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 424