This accessible introduction to political philosophy explores the history of ideas and ways of thinking about society over the centuries, as part of a broader, historical narrative. Martin Cohen provides an overview of the work of the major political philosophers, from the Ancient Greeks to the Renaissance thinkers, the English liberals and the Continental radicals. Cohen sets each theory within its social context and provides a detailed account of the key texts, and an assessment of their influence. He concludes with an analysis of Chinese Marxism and the Maoist legacy and brings the narrative up to date with a discussion of Western capitalism and the Third Way. Arranged chronologically, the book includes concise summaries of key ideas and reading, and each chapter is prefaced by a timeline of significant events.

Martin Cohen is Research Fellow at University College of St. Mark and St. John, Plymouth, and author of 101 Philosophy Problems (Routledge, 1999). Martin Cohen is editor of The Philosopher and author of the bestselling 101 Philosophy Problems.