Political Discourse in Early Modern Britain

Synopsis

This collection of essays, all by preeminent exponents of the history of political thought, explores the political ideologies of early modern Britain. Organised on a broadly chronological basis, the topics addressed by individual scholars reflect the themes initiated and inspired by the work of the distinguished intellectual historian, J. G. A. Pocock, for whom the collection is intended as a tribute. Each of the contributors engages with the debates Pocock has provoked. As a fitting conclusion to the volume, Professor Pocock has responded and provided his personal interpretation of the themes they invoke. This is a major new English-language edition of five central texts in the history of the political thought of the Dutch Revolt. Published between 1570 and 1590 these texts exemplify the development of the political ideas which motivated and legitimated resistance to Philip II. They address notions of liberty, constitutionalism, representation and popular sovereignty, all of central importance to the events of the Dutch Revolt. The introduction locates these ideas in their political and intellectual context and argues that they were inspired by the indigenous legacy of Dutch constitutionalism and civic consciousness.