A classic work of political theory by one of the leading political philosophers of the twentieth century

What Eric Voegelin attempts in The New Science of Politics is nothing less ambitious than a complete theory of humanity, society, and history. To build his theory, Voegelin draws on a breathtaking range of subjects from throughout history, including the Mongol Orders of Submission, the Behistun Inscription, and a controversy over an alter to the goddess Victoria in the Roman Forum. Addressing the access to truth afforded by myth, revelation, and philosophy, Voegelin then carefully contrasts each with gnosticism. The resulting book is a heady exploration of the development of European politics through the Western tradition and the ongoing importance of the inner quest for transcendent reality. =

Eric Voegelin (1901-1985) was Senior Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at the time of his death. He is the author of numerous books in addition to his major five-volume work Order and History.

— Times Literary Supplement

— Francis G. WIlson, American Political Science Review

— Martin Wright, International Affairs

— Anthony Harrigan, Christian Century