"A Theologico-Political Treatise and A Political Treatise", by Benedict de Spinoza. Translated from the Latin with an Introduction by R.H.M. Elwes, unabridged facsimile reprint of the edition published by Bell, London in 1888; with a Bibliographical Note by Francesco Cordasco, published by Dover Publications, New York, copyright 1951.

Soft cover, 5.1/4" x 8"; 387 pages + publisher's catalog; very good condition.

Written by the Dutch philosopher Benedictus Spinoza (1632-1677), the "Tractatus Theologico-Politicus or Theologico-Political Treatise" was one of the most controversial texts of the early modern period. It was written in New Latin rather than the vernacular Dutch in an attempt to avoid censorship by the secular Dutch authorities.In it, Spinoza expounds his views on contemporary Jewish and Christian religion and critically analyses the Bible which underlies both. He argues what the best roles for state and religion should be and concludes that a degree of democracy and freedom of speech and religion works best, like in Amsterdam, while the state remains paramount within reason. The goal of the state is to guarantee the freedom of the citizens. Religious leaders should not meddle in politics. Spinoza prepares the ground for his work on metaphysics and psychology Ethics, published posthumously in 1677, for which he anticipated harsh criticism.

US: Priority (c 2-4 days) --------- $9.50
Canada: 1st Class (c 2-6 weeks) -- $22.50
World: 1st Class (c 2-7 weeks) --- $31.50