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baron de Charles de Secondat Montesquieu
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The Spirit of the Laws Paperback – January 1, 2010

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 67 ratings
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This treatise on political theory, originally published anonymously in 1748, has become one of the most influential works of political science ever written. French philosopher Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu wrote this piece under the inspiration of such political theorists as René Descartes, Nicholas de Malebranche, and Niccolò Machiavelli. The ideas laid forth by Montesquieu in this work, especially that of balancing power among branches of government, had a prominent influence on the American Constitution, although at the time of its publication was subject to censorship. Over twenty years in the making, "The Spirit of Laws" considers a vast range of political topics including: the preservation of civil liberties, taxation, slavery, commerce, the role of women, crime and punishment, religion, education, morality and the law, and other matters of political, sociological, and anthropological importance. Undoubtedly, it has become one of the most emulated and highly-regarded treatises on political law ever written.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    539 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Digireads.Com
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2010
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.25 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1420938304
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1420938302
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Digireads.Com (January 1, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 539 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1420938304
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1420938302
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.73 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.25 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 67 ratings

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baron de Charles de Secondat Montesquieu

baron de Charles de Secondat Montesquieu

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
67 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Austin Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2018
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The Spirit of Laws is a difficult but fascinating book that delineates different types of societies and the cultures they create clearly and logically. Written by a French nobleman in the 1740's, it inspired both English reformers such as John Locke as well as rulers such as Catherine the Great of Russia. I read it because it was spoken of so highly by the founders of the American republic - many of Montesquieu's ideas shaped our Constitution.

The Spirit of Laws is directly relevant today, and eerily prescient in describing how politics shapes society - and vice versa. This is not light reading, but for those with interest, it's a refreshing and vivid conversation with an author across almost two and a half centuries.
4 people found this helpful
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Keith Mathison
5.0 out of 5 stars It should be required reading.
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2011
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Of 15000 writings identified as the founding documents for America there are 3154 direct quotes(See book "The Origins of American Constitutionalizm").

34% of America's original source material was from the Bible, the single most cited source. The second most cited source, with 8.3% of quotes, are from Charles Montesquieu.

Why are the greatest works ever written not studied in public schools? The Spirit of the Laws should be required reading. The Spirit of the Laws exercises the mind instead of entertains the mind which is what true education is all about.

Our Founding Fathers felt the Bible was a book worth more than all other books ever printed. Since we have thrown out the greatest book, a book that founded America's public schools, it is no surprise Montesquieu is also lost.

It is time our public schools educate students in the most important books that founded America.
7 people found this helpful
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Standing for truth, honour and integrity. God bless America
4.0 out of 5 stars Terrible narrator for such an important book.
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2015
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I purchased this very important book as an MP3 audiobook and I can honestly say that on such an important book as this the choice of Wanda McCaddon to narrate this book was a very big mistake. I am not alone in my views when I say that this woman has been the most difficult narrator I have ever had to listen to. Her voice is whining, irritating and penetrating and I was astonished to read that she has narrated well over six hundred titles for major book audio publishers.
I so wish to continue listening to this MP3 audiobook, but the narrator is making it extremely difficult for me to achieve this, more than five minutes at a time make this listening project very painful.
Tragically this set contains two MP3's which means one has to listen to this terrible narrator for at least 22 and half hours. I contacted Blackstone audio with regards to this issue, advising them to listen and at least provide their opinion, but I have had no response. Guess they do not care. It would have been much better read by a man, or anybody other than Wanda.
Very disappointing. Wanda obviously can pronounce the most difficult of names easily but her narration sends one into insanity.
10 people found this helpful
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Roberto Sosa
5.0 out of 5 stars Why I bought the book
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2013
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I had this book when in college, but it deteriorated at such a degree that I had to throw it away. I had been searching for it since then, until I was told to look for it on your web site. The book is a must read , in order to preserve our democratic or republican way of life.
4 people found this helpful
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Tabitha
5.0 out of 5 stars Montesquieu was one of the great philosophers
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2016
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Montesquieu was one of the great philosophers who impacted the writings of the US Constitution and bill of rights for separation of powers; without separation of powers there would by tyranny. Really love this book...great for research and better understanding of Montesquieu.
5 people found this helpful
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Meir
5.0 out of 5 stars It's a classic. I would be doing a disservice ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2014
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It's a classic. I would be doing a disservice if I tried to provide commentary on such a revolutionary work, so I can only say that you are not informed if you have not read this work.
3 people found this helpful
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john danise
5.0 out of 5 stars Best way to understand the difference in governments.
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2017
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Those who think our forefathers didn't consider the pros and cons of government should read "THe Spirit of Laws".
2 people found this helpful
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Robert
4.0 out of 5 stars Desirable Reference Material
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2016
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Montesquieu give a decent view of the law that many of the founding fathers would have been familiar with. Therefore, I find it to be good reference material.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Igors Balodis
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on September 27, 2015
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exellent
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Papamad
5.0 out of 5 stars Un clásico ineludible
Reviewed in Spain on August 18, 2015
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Lo buscaba en español, pero no lo encontré. Por su precio, esta fenomenal como lectura de verano para refrescar las posturas y opiniones del a veces demasiado olvidado Montesquieu.
No he tenido problemas de lectura y el libro funciona bien en Kindle.
Por este precio, no tiene duda el llevar en el ipad una lectura obligada.
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