These authoritative volumes present the key articles which illuminate the history and development of liberalism from the seminal contributions of John Locke down to the most recent work by contemporary political theorists such as John Rawls, Richard Rorty and Robert Nozick. Liberalism has inspired several political movements in Europe and in countries influenced by European culture during the last four centuries. It is closely identified with Western civilization in its entirety tracing its origins as far as the pre-Socratic philosophers. This comprehensive and authoritative collection will be an essential reference point for both researchers and students concerned with historical and contemporary liberalism.