In this major 2003 study of the foundations of modern political theory the eminent political philosopher Ross Harrison explains, analyzes, and criticizes the work of Hobbes, Locke, and their contemporaries. He provides a full account of the turbulent historical background that shaped the political, intellectual, and religious content of this philosophy. The book explores such questions as the limits of political authority and the relation of the legitimacy of government to the will of its people in non-technical, accessible prose that will appeal to students of philosophy, politics, theology and history.

‘… an outstanding treatment of seventeenth-century political philosophy … Harrison is far more philosophically tenacious than are most commentators on the political thought of this period. His questing interpretations of the works of familiar authors tease out puzzles in their arguments that are rarely discussed … He is sensitive to historical context in which the theories emerged and the historical situations of their authors. He presents the work of Grotius, Hobbes etc. as attempts to deal with the problems raised by war and civil conflict, and weaves historical and philosophical themes together with immense skill.’

Susan James - Birkbeck College, University of London

‘A masterpiece of clarity, rigorously argued and sensitive to the historical contexts of the texts it studies, Harrison's book combines the virtues of Cambridge analytical philosophers and Cambridge intellectual historians. … Confusion's Masterpiece is a challenging, stylish, witty book, and a brilliant contribution to the history of modern political philosophy.‘

Source: The Philosophical Quarterly

‘… brilliant … Marshalling talents that are rare in combination, he applies to these texts historical sensitivity, philosophical acuity and a light-footed lucidity.‘

Source: British Journal for the History of Philosophy