Rousseau's The Social Contract is a benchmark in political philosophy and has been one of the most influential works of moral and political thought since its publication in 1762. This comprehensive and accessible guidebook introduces and assesses Rousseau's life, as well as the background, ideas and arguments of The Social Contract and Rousseau's continuing importance to politics and philosophy

The Routledge Guidebook to Rousseau’s The Social Contract will be essential reading for all students of philosophy and politics, and anyone approaching the work of Rousseau for the first time.