Completely reset text;
archival quality paper and
binding; new introduction;
CIP data; new index.
6x9, approx. 780 pages.
Hardcover.
ISBN-13: 978-1-934182-21-5
$65.00
A Treatise in Political Philosophy
By Heinrich A. Rommen, LL.D.
With a new introduction by Russell Hittinger
Written in Germany in 1935 just after the rise of Nazi power
and first published in an expanded English edition in 1945,
this book is the most complete treatment of the subject
ever published in English and as such belongs on every
library shelf and classroom devoted to the study of political
theory.
Within the four parts of the text, Rommen treats at length
such perennial questions as the origin of the state, the
nature of the common good, the contents of the natural
law, the origins of political authority, sovereignty, the
meaning for politics of the Church, the nature and scope of
international law, and the doctrine of war. While an
invaluable and indispensable compendium summarizing a
prestigious, and remarkably consistent, tradition regarding
politics and state power, this book is also an instructive
example of the manner in which a true political theorist
exercises his craft—in humane yet critically honest
conversation with those within and outside his tradition.
Russell Hittinger’s introduction renders the book yet more
valuable by his illumination of the crucial historical context of
the book’s composition and his explication of the book's
permanent significance to political philosophy.
Government at Georgetown University from 1953 to 1967.
Born in Cologne, Germany, Rommen received doctorates
from the Universities of Bonn and Muenster. Arrested in
1933 by the Gestapo for anti-Nazi activities, Rommen was
later released and fled in 1938 to the United States. For his
outstanding works as teacher and scholar, Georgetown
appointed him to the rank of “Distinguished Professor,” the
first Georgetown faculty member to be so honored.
University of Notre Dame in 1975. In 1986, he received his
doctorate in philosophy from St. Louis University. Since
1996, he has held the William K. Warren Chair of Catholic
Studies at the University of Tulsa, where he is also a
research professor of law. In addition, he is the chair of the
Department of Philosophy and Religion. Author of numerous
articles, Dr. Hittinger’s latest book is The First Grace:
Rediscovering Natural Law in a Post-Christian Age (ISI
Books).