This book is a comprehensive anthology in the history of political philosophy. It presents important selections from the ancient, medieval, and modern periods along with many contemporary selections. The material is presented historically with brief biographical sketches of each author as well as introductions to each period. Political Philosophy: Essential Selections offers the most comprehensive selection of readings in Western political philosophy, ranging from the ancient to the contemporary. From Plato and Aristotle to today s disputes about liberalism, anarchism, feminism, and socialism. Selections are presented as they were originally written with minimal editorial intrusion.The book includes important thinkers rarely featured in similar anthologies, such as Marsilius of Padua, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Mikail Bakunin, plus more familiar names.It also presents key developments in the history of political philosophy and provides good coverage of contemporary theories. This allows readers to trace the historical development of these important concepts and themes. An important resource for every reader interested in the development of political thought regarding contemporary issues.