The Rhetoric of Leviathan: Thomas Hobbes and the Politics of Cultural Transformation

(Paperback)

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When Leviathan first appeared in 1651, it was recognized as a work of extraordinary scope, uniting metaphysical, theological, and political arguments into a single distinctive outlook. Contending that modern readers do the book an injustice by neglecting its metaphysical and theological themes, David Johnston supports his claim with a detailed examination of the text as a whole and with a reinterpretation of the genesis of the work.

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"... a new Leviathan has sailed into view... The Rhetoric of Leviathan presents an original and suggestive interpretation of Hobbes's political thought. Indeed, it is the best book on Hobbes in recent years, and, hopefully, it will help to redirect Hobbes scholars toward new paths of interpretive exploration. More importantly, it ought to be read by anyone interested in exploring 'the ideological or cultural foundations of political power,' and the ways in which political theorists contribute to or seek to undermine those foundations."--Richard Ashcraft, Albion "With this lucid, perceptive, and original work, David Johnston ... moves into the forefront of students of Hobbes."--Roger W. Smith, Perspective "The best writings on Hobbes have always been those that boldly sought to unify the warring elements in his thought. Professor Johnston has written a book belonging to this category. It is unquestionably essential reading for anyone seriously interested in Hobbes."--Timothy Fuller, International Hobbes Association Newsletter