The Cambridge Companion To Montesquieu

Montesquieu was among the most influential writers of the eighteenth century, and the study of his thought enriches and complicates our understanding of the Enlightenment. Following renewed interest in his writings over the last three decades, the Cambridge Companion to Montesquieu brings together the variety of disciplinary and interpretive approaches that have shaped the scholarship on his work and legacy. This Companion offers an integrated volume on Montesquieu as philosopher, novelist, historian, economic thinker, political scientist, and political theorist. It introduces readers to key themes and ongoing debates, reflects developments in the field, breaks fresh ground, indicates avenues for future research, and provides multiple perspectives on the relevance of Montesquieu's thought to contemporary problems in political theory. Allows students, specialists, and generalists new to the study of Montesquieu to view his significance from multiple angles Brings together the variety of disciplinary and interpretive approaches that have shaped the study of Montesquieu's work and legacy Introduces the reader to past developments in Montesquieu studies as well as new avenues for future research