“Political theorists have long been baffled by the apparent contradictions in Rousseau’s political and social thought. . . . Melzer challenges widespread views by arguing that, although Rousseau’s writings are anything but systematic, largely because most of them were written in circumstances out of his choosing, he was nevertheless a thoroughly consistent and systematic thinker whose distinctive political and social philosophy flows from a single fundamental principle, the natural goodness of man. . . . Melzer’s interpretation of Rousseau is ingenious, enlightening, often compelling, and shows at least one way in which Rousseau’s seemingly contradictory claims can be reconciled.”

Political Theory

“In this pathbreaking book, Melzer presents the most penetrating account available of the systemicity of Rousseau’s thought, a systemicity that Rousseau himself insisted on but whose contours for reasons Melzer persuasively adduced have gone largely undetected. Beginning with Rousseau’s own claim that the key to his system is the principle of man’s natural goodness,’ Melzer pursues with exemplary clarity and thoroughness the implications of that principle for Rousseau’s teaching as a whole.”

History of European Ideas

“An artistic analogy—that of an old painting’s restoration—best describes Melzer’s excellent analysis and study of one of Rousseau’s key ideas: his belief in the natural goodness of man. By systematically eliminating and disputing misinterpretations, glosses, and distortions, Melzer reveals Rousseau’s original historical and intellectual palette.”

Library Journal

“A major, indeed revelatory, contribution to our understanding of Rousseau’s place in the history of political thought. . . . A model of what philosophic scholarship should be.”

Thomas Pangle, University of Toronto

“A remarkably comprehensive and nuanced study… An ideal guide to a remarkable thinker.”

Joel Schwartz, executive editor, Public Interest | National Review

"A brilliant and powerful new study of Rousseau."

Marc F. Plattner | Public Interest

"Probably the most convincing demonstration yet undertaken of the systematic character of Rousseau's political thought... Melzer offers insights into Rousseau's thought that are clearly expressed, fresh, and compelling."

Christopher Kelly | Review of Politics