Abstract

These two fragments, the earliest surviving examples of Hegel’s political theory, have not before been available in English. Though each is obscure, the germs of many of Hegel’s ideas are visible, including “spirit.” Annotations and appendices round off each fragment. An excellent index allows for cross-referencing. Moreover, H. S. Harris provides introductions to each fragment. That for the “System of Ethical Life” exceeds 90 pages. All told, more than two-thirds of the book is devoted to that fragment, but Harris is right to say that is it illuminated by the “First Philosophy of Spirit” and vice versa.