Discourses on Government: To Which Is Added, an Account Ofthe Author's Life [Hardcover]

Algernon Sidney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 3, 2002 | ISBN-10: 1584772093 | ISBN-13: 978-1584772095

This important work appeared fifteen years after Sidney's execution for treason in 1683. A reply to Filmer's Patriarcha, the Discourses is one of the earliest modern statements of republican ideals. He proposes a doctrine of natural justice and governmental order from which all institutions vary at their peril. More important, Sidney asserts that a king's authority is granted by parliament, which has the additional power to depose him, indeed a controversial idea during the Restoration period.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...probably the best elementary book of the principles of government, as founded in natural right which has ever been published in any language; and it is much to be desired in such a government as ours that it should be put into the hands of our youth as soon as their minds are sufficiently matured for that branch of study. --Thomas Jefferson

About the Author

Algernon Sidney [1622-1683] was beheaded by Charles II in part for his involvement in the Rye House plot. One of the other charges against him was that he had committed treasonable libel in this work, which was still in manuscript at that time.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1392 pages
• Publisher: The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. (December 3, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584772093
• ISBN-13: 978-1584772095
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 4.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,093,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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