Hobbes: A Very Short Introduction

Thomas Hobbes is one of the more obscure of the important philosophers of history. He is, of course, best known for "Leviathan", and its political theory of the absolute authority of the sovereign ruler.What Richard Tuck does well in this book is to locate Hobbes within a larger philosophical context which explores in intricate detail Hobbes's biography. Attention is given to Hobbes's metaphysics, a point often overlooked in introductory remarks on Hobbes's theory. All in all this makes the book very informative.The drawback here is that Tuck has written the book with so much thorough attention given to background and context that it feels as though the meat of Hobbes's philosophy gets lost in translation. Sure, Tuck offers up plenty of reflection on philosophy, but it feels like Hobbes's philosophy isn't the focal point of the book, which makes this read a bit unusual.That said, the good nevertheless outweighs the bad, and I'd recommend this little book to anyone looking to learn more about this important figure.

This short introduction serves its purpose for casual readers. But the deep logic of Hobbes, as evolving over time, is not revealed. The classical book on Hobbes by Leo Strauss does so much better. Read it after thr short introduction!Professor Yehezkel DrorThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The author starts by telling us "Hobbes created English-language philosophy". Really? What of Francis Bacon, to whom Hobbes once acted as amanuensis? Poor Bacon does get a brief, grudging mention later on. The description in the blurb of Hobbes as "the first great English political philosopher" is probably more accurate. Certainly he is important, in a broad Western context. He was central to the transition from medieval to modern thought, and was a strong influence on Rousseau and others. Tuck is an expert guide (despite his inexplicable slighting of Bacon) and his style is very readable. This introduction covers Hobbes's life, works and intellectual legacy. Reliable and informative, it is highly recommended as an introduction to, and summary of, Hobbes's ideas, but to better appreciate the context, you might want to read (dare I say it?) Bacon's Essays first.

Great introduction to Hobbes and many 16 and 17th century philosophers. Relatively easy read and comprehend for a philosophical litrature.

It summerizes the philosophy and the historical times of his writing.

This is a short, concise, and well written overview of Hobbes and his major works. The author also includes a brief discussion of how Hobbes works may have (possibly) been tinged by the English Civil War. I read the kindle version in about three hours, and I feel I definately understand Hobes (the man) better after reading this brief study.

This entire series of 'Very Short Introductions' is a small miracle in itself. Each volume clearly and succinctly written, understandable, entertaining, covers in jewel-colored patterns: would that I could collect the whole lot of them! I think you cannot be disappointed by any one of the books offered in this expanding project.

This book has some merits, but only for those who already know a little about Hobbes. It is neither for a person who has not already read a little about Hobbes, nor for a serious student of Hobbes.

Like all the books in this series they provide a brief overview in an easy to understand format.

Great book!

A very interesting and comprehensive introduction to Hobbes and to the problematics his philosophy underline.

Smalller than you'd think

なんとなく理解した気になってその後読むはずだったホッブスの主著を未だに読んでいません。よくできた紹介本の良い点だか、悪い点だか・・・・