Great Political Thinkers: Plato to the Present

From the Preface:
The purpose of this book is to present the major turning points of western political thought from Plato to the present. The best way to understand these vital and trailblazing ideas is to read the great writers themselves rather than works about them. There is room for commentary and critical analysis, but neither can take the place of the original sources. Political philosophy, like all philosophy, is not always easy and unambiguous, the reproduction of the original statements familiarizes the reader most faithfully with the intention of the writer. Moreover, the great works of political literature have attained the rank of classics not only because they reveal philosophical depth and penetration but because they are perennially fresh and exciting as pieces of literature, providing aesthetic pleasure and enjoyment as well as intellectual challenge and stimulation. The presentation of carefully selected portions from original writings is most likely to attain both objectives...