"This edition is the first to bring together, in a single volume, the three most important political writings of Rousseau—the First and Second Discourses and the Social Contract—in translations that combine great exactness with thoroughly readable English. The outstanding accompanying materials include notes that are illuminating but never intrusive, a chronology of Rousseau’s life, a bibliography, and above all a substantial introduction that offers a masterful overview of Rousseau’s notoriously complex thought. A genuine contribution that will aid scholars and especially students for many years to come."

Robert C. Bartlett, Boston College

"Rousseau wrote that one should write ‘to persuade without convincing.’ He meant that a text should lead the reader to understand the world as the text itself did: it should not compel the reader. A translation that does not capture this quality of Rousseau’s writing will be untrue to it. John Scott’s new translations of three key texts capture Rousseau’s style wonderfully. His text is fluid, graceful, and as precise and effective an English rendering as can be achieved. In addition, Scott’s introduction is a model of clarity and intelligence, as are his explanatory notes. This is the English-language edition of Rousseau’s political writings to own."

Tracy B. Strong, University of California, San Diego

“John T. Scott is one of the preeminent Rousseau scholars in the world, and he exhibits his expertise here. This new translation is in every particular superb: faithful to the French, albeit not mulishly so; and stylishly readable. Indeed, I think it combines these two qualities better than any other English translation that currently exists. Also, Scott’s introduction provides a compass to navigate Rousseau’s textual waters that will help both beginner and scholar to reach shore.”

Stuart Warner, Roosevelt University

"John T. Scott’s fresh new rendition of Rousseau’s major political writings is a boon for scholars and students alike, balancing the literalness necessary for the rigorous study of Rousseau with crisp readability. As if this weren’t enough, Scott’s introduction and explanatory notes provide a succinct contextual discussion of Rousseau’s place in modern intellectual history. This edition will be the new standard Rousseau text for introductory and advanced courses in modern political philosophy."

Richard Boyd, Georgetown University

“John T. Scott’s is the first single-volume translation of the Discourses and Social Contract to appear in twenty-five years, and instructors who teach all three texts will find the volume particularly useful. The excellent introduction, fluent translation, and detailed notes will make the volume a favorite for many scholars as well. (If one sought to summarize the significance of Rousseau’s political thought in three pages or less, it is doubtful that one could do better than the first pages of Scott’s introduction.) Scott also includes a particularly useful bibliography of Rousseau’s sources—an innovation that ought to become standard practice for translators.”

Political Theory