Product Description

In this wide-ranging treatise on the nature of law, the famous French political philosopher Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) explores the essentials of good government; compares and contrasts despotism, monarchy, and democracy; and discusses the factors that lead to the corruption of governments. Among the many topics considered are education of the citizenry, crime and punishment, abuse of power and of liberty, individual rights, taxation, slavery, the role of women, commerce, religion, and a host of additional subjects.

One of the most influential books of all time, this masterpiece of political philosophy was widely read throughout Europe, attracted an especially enthusiastic readership in England, and had a profound effect on the framers of the American Constitution, who emulated Montesquieu by insisting upon a balance of power among branches of government--executive, legislative, and judiciary--the now famous "separation of powers."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #380084 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 700 pages

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

About the Author
Charles-Louis de Secondat, the jurist and political philosopher, was born at the Chateau de La Brede, near Bordeaux, France, on January 18, 1689. He attended the Oratorian College of Juilly and then studied law in Bordeaux from 1705 to 1708.

Upon his father's death in 1713, he assumed the title of baron de La Brede, and was appointed counselor of the Bordeaux parliament (1714). In 1716 he inherited his uncle's title of baron de Montesquieu, and also his office, serving as the deputy president of the parliament from 1716 to 1726.

Montesquieu's first major work, LETTRES PERSANES (Persian Letters), was published in 1721 and became a huge success. Supposedly written by two Persian travelers in Europe, Montesquieu satirized French institutions. In 1725 he published LE TEMPLE DE GNIDE (The Temple of Gnide).

Because of the success of PERSIAN LETTERS, in 1728 Montesquieu was elected to the French Academy, the French literary academy established by Cardinal de Richelieu in 1634 to maintain standards of literary taste and to establish the literary language. That same year, seeking to complete his education by foreign travel, he set out on a grand tour of Europe, particularly England, where he remained from 1729 to 1731.

In 1734 Montesquieu published CONSIDERATIONS SUR LES CAUSES DE LA GRANDEUR ET DE LA DECADENCE DES ROMAINS (Thoughts on the Causes of the Greatness and the Downfall of the Romans), one of the first important works in the philosophy of history.

Montesquieu's greatest work, DE L'ESPRIT DES LOIS (The Spirit of Laws), was published in 1748. It is a comparative study of three types of government: republic, monarchy, and despotism. Montesquieu held that governmental powers should be separated and balanced to guarantee individual rights and freedom. Attacked by the French clergy and his enemies at the Sorbonne, Montesquieu responded with DEFENSE DE "L'ESPRIT DES LOIS" (Defense of "The Spirit of Laws") in 1750. His last work, ESSAI SUR LE GOUT (Essay on Taste) was not completed.

Montesquieu died in Paris on February 10, 1755.

Customer Reviews

A foundation stone of American government
This is one of the key works read by many of the founding fathers of the United States. Our separation of powers derives from this work. Lord Montesquieu makes a solid case, based on historical evidence, for the need of a separation of powers to prevent lasting corruption in any government. His treatment of republics, constitutional monarchies, and despotism is illuminating.