Medieval Political Theory

This textbook anthology contains new translations of a selection of important works of medieval political theory. It includes both well known figures such as Thomas Aquinas and John of Salisbury and lesser known figures, including two women, Christine de Pizan and Marie de France. Cary Nederman and Kate Forhan have made their selections on the basis of intellectual importance, geographical range and representativeness. The volume encompasses texts from the Latinized regions of Western Europe, including England, France, Germany and Italy, and gives expression to a wide range of medieval perspectives on politics. A general discussion of medieval political culture introduces the book: the editors identify the main historical religious and philosophical assumptions underpinning the medieval political tradition. This textbook is designed for students of political theory and aims to expose them directly to the texts without enmeshing them in complexities beyond the scope of an introductory course. It is also suitable for students of medieval history and philosophy.