Beschreibung:

Hobbes, Thomas (1588-1679) Leviathan or the Matter, Forme and Power of a Commonwealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil. London: Printed for Andrew Crooke, 1651. Small folio, head edition, with later issue engraved frontispiece, and folding table, 18th century calf, boards detached, ink spot on frontis and title, one blank corner of the table torn away, not affecting the text, 11 1/4 x 7 1/2 in. Hobbes's seminal work of political theory was composed in the midst the English Civil War, which saw the sovereign executed by an elected parliament, and replaced by a governing Commonwealth. Hobbes argues in favor of the social contract and an absolute ruler. The upheaval of the Interregnum was still unresolved when Leviathan was published. Its influence was vast. In 1653, Cromwell established a Protectorate, and made himself direct personal ruler. England continued in this limbo until Charles II returned to replace his slain father on the British throne in 1660.