Hobbes: A Biography

Library Journal

Hobbes' position as one of the founders and leading theorists of modern political philosophy has been established for some time. His connections with leading thinkers of his day, as well as his investigations in such fields as mathematics, physics, and religion, have placed him in the forefront of modern philosophy. Martinich's biography, one of the most accessible and thoroughly researched of recent years, delves into the motivations behind Hobbes's ideas, the events and people that influenced him, and the significance of his ideas for contemporary thought. At the same time, it shows him to have been a far wider-ranging thinker than may previously have been realized. Martinich's writing style is clear, and his exposition of Hobbes's thought is well within the reach of most readers, even those who do not have an extensive grounding in political theory or philosophy. Written by a Hobbes expert (e.g., A Hobbes Dictionary, Blackwell, 1995), this biography should serve most libraries well and should certainly be a part of any political theory or political philosophy collection.--Terry C. Skeats, Bishop's Univ. Lib., Lennoxville, Quebec

Kirkus Reviews

A scholar's biography, this book will become a standard work for students of Hobbes (1588–1679). Martinich (Philosophy/Univ. of Texas, Austin) offers a mixture of personal and intellectual biography situating Hobbes in historical context as well as examining his philosophy. The presentation is chronological, with brief analytical detours to explore texts; Leviathan receives attention, of course, but also Hobbes's lesser-known and especially his earlier writings. Disagreements among scholars are noted throughout regarding not only interpretation of Hobbes's thought, but also details of his life. Basic facts—e.g., Hobbes's whereabouts at particular points in time or his relations with friends and other intellectuals of the day—cannot always be established unambiguously, and Martinich identifies these cases and defends his opinion. The result is a catalogue of current thinking on Hobbes's life, a valuable tool for historians as well as philosophers. This intellectual tour de force may not appeal to a popular audience, but it is leavened with occasional glimpses of a dry wit. For example, after describing Hobbes's monotonous report on a tour of the continent with the young William Cavendish, Martinich notes that William's father "was fortunate that Hobbes could not take photographic slides to be shown in the living room." We also see Hobbes's personality in these pages, and apparently he is as cranky and self-impressed as you would expect from his writings. His inability to gain admission into the Royal Society, for example, stemmed not only from scientific disagreements, but also the perception by some members that he would be a "bore." While "a witty and engagingconversationalist" on occasion, his belief in absolute sovereignty was matched by a belief in the absolute truth of his own philosophy, a quality few could find endearing. Yet there is an intriguing unconventionality to the man: anyone whose daily routine includes singing to himself because he believes it contributes to good health can't be all bad. A detailed and substantial work. (16 b&w photos) .