Through a fusion of philosophical, social scientific, and historical methods, A Brief History of Liberty provides a comprehensive, philosophically-informed portrait of the elusive nature of one of our most cherished ideals.

• Offers a succinct yet thorough survey of personal freedom

• Explores the true meaning of liberty, drawing philosophical lessons about liberty from history

• Considers the writings of key historical figures from Socrates and Erasmus to Hobbes, Locke, Marx, and Adam Smith

• Combines philosophical rigor with social scientific analysis

• Argues that liberty refers to a range of related but specific ideas rather than limiting the concept to one definition