Originally published in 1889, Ferdinand Tonnies published versions of two works by Thomas Hobbes. His editions of
The Elements of Law: Natural and Politic
and of
Behemoth: or The Long Parliament
were the first modern critical editions, based on manuscripts of works by Hobbes. Completed in 1640,
The Elements of Law
was Hobbes's first systematic political work. The book helps us see Hobbes's mind at work, for it is the first version of his later political works.