'If one loves Locke, or liberty, or, indeed, Somerset, this is a book one cannot comfortably live without. Roger Woolhouse is a professor of philosophy, so he can explain the full development of Locke's philosophical works. He combines that with a warm and fascinating account of Locke's personal and political life.' The Times
"Woolhouse weaves compelling critical readings of Locke's works into events in Locke's life that prompted them, also showing the extent to which many of Locke's key ideas emerged early in his life. Woolhouse combines engaging writing with lucid insights into Locke's times to create not only an elegant critical biography but also a first-rate social history." Library Journal