Jean-Jacques Rousseau Books

Exploring the nature of faith, the dialogue in the first part features a Savoyard vicar who emphasizes that genuine religious belief stems from personal inquiry rather than strict adherence to tradition. He delves into concepts of God, morality, and the afterlife. In the second part, Rousseau reflects on his own faith journey, highlighting the interplay of reason and intuition in understanding truth and the significance of living a virtuous life. This philosophical work tackles profound existential questions, making it essential for those interested in philosophy and religion.

A comprehensive and authoritative anthology of Rousseau's important early political writings in faithful English translations. Featuring an expanded introduction, a new foreword and an extensive editorial apparatus, this new edition is designed to assist students at every level access these seminal texts.

Exploring the nature of education and humanity, this influential treatise by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is regarded as his most significant work. Its controversial section, "Profession of Faith of the Savoyard Vicar," led to its ban and public burning in 1762. Despite this, it became a key inspiration for the development of a new national education system during the French Revolution, highlighting its lasting impact on educational philosophy and reform.

Written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau at the age of eighteen, this play explores themes of self-love and vanity through the character of Narcissus. Despite its intriguing premise, it was poorly received when performed for King Louis XV in 1752, leading to its quick disappearance from the stage. Rousseau, more renowned for his philosophical contributions, faced criticism for this early work, which is often regarded as lacking in artistic merit.

This translation brings fresh clarity and accessibility to a classic work, allowing readers to engage with the text in a new light. Peter Constantine's expertise enhances the original narrative, preserving its essence while making it resonate with contemporary audiences. The translation captures the nuances of the characters and themes, inviting both new readers and longtime fans to explore the rich layers of the story.

Focusing on the philosophy of education, this work explores how to nurture a child towards a fulfilling and intellectually vibrant existence. It delves into the principles of raising a child in a way that fosters harmony and personal development, offering insights into the relationship between education and the formation of character. Through its exploration, it emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded upbringing that balances emotional, moral, and intellectual growth.

A comprehensive 1997 anthology of Rousseau's work containing The Social Contract, his most famous single work.

Translated by Peter ConstantineEdited and with an new introduction by Leo Damrosch'Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains' is the dramatic opening line of The Social Contract, published in 1762.

Rousseau argues for the preservation of individual freedom min political society. An individual can only be free under the law, he says, by voluntarily embracing that law as his own. This text is not only a defence of civil society, but also a study of the darker side of political systems.

Few philosophers have been the subject of as much or as intense debate, yet almost everyone agrees on one thing: Jean-Jacques Rousseau is among the most important and influential thinkers in the history of political philosophy. This book brings together fresh translations of three of Rousseau's works.