DescriptionAmong the most influential writings in the history of Western political thought, John Lockes Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration remain vital to political debates today, more than three centuries after they were written. The complete texts appear in this volume, accompanied by interpretive essays by three prominent Locke scholars. Ian Shapiros introduction places Lockes political writings in historical and biographical context. John Dunn explores both the intellectual context in which Locke wrote the Two Treatises of Government and A Letter Concerning Toleration and the major interpretive controversies surrounding their meaning. Ruth Grant offers a comprehensive discussion of Lockes views on women and the family, and Shapiro contributes an essay on the democratic elements of Lockes political theory. Taken together, the texts and essays in this volume offer invaluable insights into the history of ideas and the enduring influence of Lockes political thought.About the authorIan Shapiro is William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor and chair, Department of Political Science, Yale University. John Dunn is professor of social and political science at Cambridge University. Ruth Grant is professor of political science at Duke University.