Leo Strauss

Leo Strauss (1899–1973) was a German-American political philosopher and classicist who specialized in classical political philosophy. He was born in Germany to Jewish parents and later emigrated to the United States. Strauss spent much of his career as a professor of political science at the University of Chicago, where he taught several generations of students and published numerous influential books. He is best known for his writings on Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche, as well as his controversial interpretations of Western history and thought. Strauss's work has had a lasting impact on political theory and philosophy, particularly through his questioning of modernity and his advocacy for a return to the ancients.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Natural Right and History

    This book is an exploration of the concept of natural rights and their relation to history. The author argues that the idea of natural rights is a fundamental aspect of Western civilization and is essential for its survival, but also notes that this concept has been largely forgotten or misunderstood in the modern world. The book examines the origins and development of natural rights, from ancient Greece to the American Revolution, and critiques modern political philosophies that have moved away from this idea. It also discusses the relationship between natural rights and history, and the implications of this relationship for the future of Western civilization.