The Rousseauian Mind

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) is a major figure in Western Philosophy and is one of the most widely read and studied political philosophers of all time. His writings range from abstract works such as On the Social Contract to literary masterpieces such as The Reveries of the Solitary Walker as well as immensely popular novels and operas.

The Rousseauian Mind provides a comprehensive survey of his work, not only placing it in its historical context but also exploring its contemporary significance. Comprising over forty chapters by a team of international contributors the Handbook covers:

• The predecessors and contemporaries to Rousseau’s work
• The major texts of the 'system'
• Autobiographical texts including Confessions, Reveries of the Solitary Walker and Dialogues
• Rousseau’s political science
• The successors to Rousseau’s work
• Rousseau applied today.

Essential reading for students and researchers in philosophy, Rousseau’s work is central to the study of political philosophy, the Enlightenment, French studies, the history of philosophy and political theory.

Eve Grace teaches political philosophy at Colorado College, USA. She is co-editor (with Christopher Kelly) of The Challenge of Rousseau (2013) and of Rousseau on Women, Love, and Family (2009). Her most recent piece is 'Beyond the realms of dream that fleeting shade' in Love: The History of a Concept ( forthcoming).

Christopher Kelly is Professor of Political Science at Boston College, USA. He is the author of Rousseau’s Exemplary Life (1987) and Rousseau as Author (2003). He is co-editor of The Collected Writings of Rousseau (with Roger D. Masters) and The Challenge of Rousseau (with Eve Grace, 2013).