The book is best classified as Natural Law or Theory of Government, but it encompasses philosophy, religion, jurisprudence, constitutions, rights, and the relations between them. This combination of two of Burlamaqui’s works was first published in English in 1763, and had a marked impact on the thinking of the American Revolution and the creation of the United States. Jefferson and John Adams were among his readers, and it was used as a textbook at Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania.

This version is a copy of translator Nugent’s 1763 edition, with some minor corrections and added footnotes, along with an excellent introduction by Peter Korkman. Only the first included work (natural Law) was directly published by Burlamaqui. The second (Political Law) was assembled from his notes and those of his students after his death.

The work is important to anyone seeking to understand the view of Government and its role held by America’s founders. It also introduces some ideas and even phrases used by us then and later; for example, ‘Eminent Domain’. While you may not agree with all of his ideas, you may be agreeably surprised by his clarity and thoughts. I strongly recommend this for any serious student of the left, the right, or any other political position. ( )