James Harrington 1611-77: An Aristocratic Radical
Max Thompson profiles the oddest and most original of 17th century political thinkers.
Most students of the history of the Stuart period will know the name of James Harrington, but few are likely to have read his writings, for, although his contribution to English political thought was exceedingly original, even his main work, Oceana, has not been reprinted for many years. Harrington was born in 1611, of an old country stock closely connected with the nobility. As a young man he travelled in several countries of Europe, making a particular study of their forms of government. As a result, he became a convinced Republican, though he maintained a deep personal affection and respect for Charles I.
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