Locke: A Biography

This is the first comprehensive biography in half a century of John Locke —“a man of versatile mind, fitted for whatever you shall undertake”, as one of his many good friends very aptly described him. Against an exciting historical background of the English Civil War, religious intolerance and bigotry, anti-Government struggles and plots, and the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Roger Woolhouse interweaves the events of Locke's rather varied life with detailed expositions of his developing ideas in medicine, theory of knowledge, philosophy of science, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, and economics. Chronologically systematic in its coverage, this volume offers an account and explanation of Locke's ideas and their reception, while entering at large into the details of his private life of intimate friendships and warm companionship, and of the increasingly visible public life into which, despite himself, he was drawn - Oxford tutor, associate of Shaftesbury, dutiful civil servant. Based on broad research and many years' study of Locke's philosophy, this will be the authoritative biography for years to come of this truly versatile man whose long-standing desire was for quiet residence in his Oxford college engaged in the study and practise of medicine and natural philosophy, yet who, after years in political exile, finally became an over-worked but influential public servant and who is seen now as one of the most significant early modern philosophers. Roger Woolhouse is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of York. He is the author of many journal articles and books on early modern philosophy, including The Empiricists, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, and, with R.Francks, Leibniz's “New System”.

The first comprehensive biography of John Locke to be published in nearly a half century.

Library Journal

English philosopher John Locke's theories of human nature and knowledge have deeply influenced political theory, as well as our notions about education and civil liberties, most crucially providing America's early leaders with the raw materials for their proclamation that all individuals should pursue life, liberty, and happiness. Drawing heavily on Locke's correspondence and primary writings, Woolhouse (philosophy, emeritus, Univ. of York) offers an engaging portrait of Locke's lively mind and diverse interests. Unlike the majority of books, which simply study Locke's thinking, Woolhouse traces Locke's full life from his birth to his years at Oxford, his political exile in Holland, and the writing of his most famous pieces-e.g., his Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Two Treatises on Civil Government. Woolhouse weaves compelling critical readings of Locke's works into events in Locke's life that prompted them, also showing the extent to which many of Locke's key ideas emerged early in his life. Woolhouse combines engaging writing with lucid insights into Locke's times to create not only an elegant critical biography but also a first-rate social history. Large public libraries and those serving academic communities will want a copy. [For an interview with Woolhouse, see "Fall Editors' Picks," LJ 9/1/06.]-Henry L. Carrigan Jr., Lancaster, PA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Roger Woolhouse is emeritus professor of philosophy at the University of York. He has written on aspects of the history of philosophy and philosophy of science, and is author of many journal articles and books, including Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz and, with R. Francks, Leibniz's New System and Leibniz: Philosophical Texts.