The interpretive literature in the history of political thought is now vast, complex, and esoteric, posing as much a barrier to the understanding of students as it offers assistance. This unique and innovative text provides an essential guide to the major positions and debates that surround the texts of key thinkers. It analyzes major problems of interpreting them, examines the sources of disagreement, and evaluates the different interpretations in terms of their strengths, weaknesses, and contributions to scholarship.