Montesquieu: The Spirit of the Laws (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought)

Montesquieu is best known as a source fof the separation of powers doctrine in the American Constitution. But there is much more in this book, including a strong argument for federalism as a system that combines security from foreign invasion with the benefits of small government. Running throughout is the concern with republican virtue as the purpose of the state and a deep discussion of the role of reason in moderate governance. He defends an Aristotelian conception of limited reason that questions yet allocates significant roles to both religion and local customs.

An excellent book though there may be parts the reader may not understand if they don't have a little knowledge of world history. Reading it was fascinating and I found myself highlighting parts and making notes in the margins where I could see the Framers of our constitution got some of their ideas. A must for all entering politics -

This was a hard book for me to finish, but it gave me a much greater appreciation for the ideas concerning government—what would be good for freedom and what would decrease freedom—that must have been swirling around in the heads of the U.S. founding fathers as they contemplated what should be in the Constitution. When I say hard I'm not implying that it wasn't worth it. There were times when I just had to push myself to keep going, but then I would come across comments giving a deeper perspective of human nature and efforts to compensate for it.

good translation ... a book that deserves close reading

Excellent work. Anyone with a deep interest in politics and the history of govt who wishes to broaden their understanding would thoroughly enjoy this book.

Great book, but arrived in meh condition. Dirt on the bottom and a 2-3 inch tear up the spine. Binding a little loose at the bottom edge that intersects this tear. Doesn't seem to compromise the spinal integrity, but it should be better than this as a new book.

Great

Montesquieu - my favorite interpretation of Charles de Montesquieu.