Why is this book important?

Hobbes stands at the end of the intellectual life of the Middle Ages which means that for centuries philosophy, religion and science had been one unified structure under the stewardship of the Church, in a World that stood at the centre of the universe beneath a God in his heaven,who provided and blessed kings and governments.

Suddenly, all these ideas and structures and certainties were in question, or blown apart with gunpowder: Hobbes wrote this during the English Civil War which resulted in the execution of a king by his people, something that would have been unthinkable beforehand.

Hobbes is a modern man, a pioneer, in the sense that he is trying to find what are the bases of knowlege and truth, and power and statecraft-and religion, and-ultimately-what it is to be human, and what sort of institutions would best represent human beings. This book is supposed to be about everything, in one volume! Which shows great self-confidence if nothing else.

It is not an easy read. If you are not familiar with Seventeenth Century English, you may find it hard going. I would recommend you buying the Oxford Very Short Introduction to Hobbes, or something similar, and reading it first, so as to acquire the leading ideas. This might help. It might help at first to dip in, rather than plough through in some kind of tear-stained marathon!

There is something in this book to offend everyone really, notably the chapter on the Pope, referring to him as King of the Fairies.

There is an interesting short biography of Hobbes in Aubrey's 'Brief Lives' which describes him singing every day to keep fit, and travelling with a special walking stick with an ink well fitted in the top, so that he could make notes if an idea struck him when he was out walking. Aubrey knew Hobbes personally.

The idea that power can rest upon distortions of the truth seems to have contemporary resonance, weapons of mass destruction etc.

very interesting that a book written in 1651 still can be inspiring in the present situation of economic crisis especially in Europe where we have to choose between chaos or longsighted global stability through the joint endeavours of many countries. Hobbes tries to give solutions on the background of a civil war in England. The book is written in a very precise and clear language and has been a source of inspiration to many scholars through the following centuries.

Job well done

Presented stunningly, as is the case with all Oxford Classics versions. This is probably the best copy of the Leviathan you can find, which is ironic considering it was burnt on the grounds of Oxford University some time after Hobbes' death and while it is written in archaic text due to the time it was written, it is still of efficient quality to understand. A must have for any politics student and political thinker, or anybody looking into the aftermath of the English Civil War.

A monster, literally, of a book! Not surprisingly 17th century philosophy can be a little heavy going. If you have to read it then, as is usually the case, the World Classics’ edition provides a good introduction and helpful notes.

Once you get used to the rhythm and style of 17th century writing, it’s a really in-depth look at why mankind needs governance, lest we sink into depravity and violence. The Libertarians in the audience might disagree of course x

This is clearly the definitive edition of Hobbs. My other edition was an Everyman purchased in 1959. We have learned a lot about Thomas Hobbs since then. Malcolm's confirmation that the Latin version was written after the English and was shorter than the latter indicates that the author had had second thoughts about his work.

You’ll need glasses for the small text

Libro que aúna las dos ediciones clásicas del Leviatán, la inglesa y la latina, y que contiene, en un primer volumen, lo que quizá sea el más amplio y serio estudio introductorio que jamás se haya hecho de este libro.

Review of "Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Common-Wealth Ecclesiastical and Civill (Leviathan)," by Thomas Hobbes (b. 1588- d. 1679). Hobbes was known for his views on how humans could thrive in harmony while avoiding the perils and fear of societal conflict. His experience during a time of upheaval in England influenced his thoughts and beliefs. "All of his works concern the structure of society and legitimate government, and Leviathan is regarded as one of the earliest and most influential examples of social contract theory when it was written during the English Civil War (1642-1651)." Hobbes believed that peace and effective rule could only be achieved through a strong central government. Leviathan argues for a social contract for the subjects through rule by an absolute sovereign. For example on page 164 in Chapter XXX Of the Office of the Soveraign Representative: "Such as are Necessary: For the use of Lawes, (which are but Rules Authorised) is not to bind the People from all Voluntary actions; but to direct and keep them in such as motion, as not to hurt themselves by their own impetuous desires, rashnesse, or indiscretion, as Hedges are set, not to stop Travellers, but to keep them in the way. And therefore a Law that is not Needful, having not the true End of a Law, is not Good. A Law may be conceived to be Good, when it is for the benefit of the Soveraign; though it be not Necessary for the People; but it is not so. For the good of the Soveraign and People, cannot be separated. It is a weak Soveraign, that has weak subjects; and a weak People, whose Soveraign wanteth Power to rule them at his will. Unnecessary Lawes are not good Lawes; but trapps for Mony; which where the right of Soveraign Power is acknowledged, are superfluous; and where it is not acknowledged, unsufficient to defend the People." It is easy to see how Hobbes has clearly stated his case for central government and strong laws to serve as a bulwark against behavior that could lead to more societal upheaval (among others). As other reviewers have stated this is somewhat difficult reading as it was composed and remains in Old English. The syntax and organization may be different than what the reader may be used to. In the final analysis Leviathan supports the view that a person's moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live. Five stars.

Excelente livro.

Excellent Book for Avid Reading to gather knowledge about Human Rights.

Very interesting book. I read it once for class, but plan on reading again because it’s very interesting