As much comprehensive introduction to Hegel’s thought as biography, this major work is the fruit of serious study of the relation between Hegel’s philosophy and his life in a revolutionary age. Pinkard, author of two previous philosophic books on Hegel, combines careful analysis of letters and other contemporary documents, concise discussion of Hegel’s major works and many of his smaller essays, and a thorough knowledge of German political and social history into a detailed, exciting narrative that links, but does not (...) reduce, Hegel’s thought to his tumultuous times. (shrink)

This detailed commentary covers Hegels entire political philosophy, which Franco regards as the high water mark of late-modern philosophies of positive freedom. Although he frequently refers to Montesquieu, Tocqueville, Burke, Hobbes, and others, Francos more immediate context is the philosophic tradition of radical self-dependence initiated by Rousseau and developed by Kant and Fichte. The book begins with a brief discussion of this tradition, continues with chapters on Hegels development, and then turns to a close analysis of the Philosophy of Right (...) that also treats Hegels lectures on the subject. (shrink)