The Enlightenment is an authoritative anthology of the key political writings from "the best and most hopeful episode in the history of mankind." The texts are supported by a lucid introduction exploring their moral, philosophical, political and economic background. Biographical notes and carefully selected bibliographies offer further help. David Williams, a distinguished Enlightenment scholar, offers the reader a view of the evolution of Enlightenment political thinking in a variety of contexts. Students of political science, history, European studies, international relations, law and philosophy will find this an invaluable resource.