Connecting Collections – Leviathan and The History of the Grecian War
Professor Rachel Hammersley and Dr Katie East explore how English philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) shaped political thought through Leviathan (1651) and The History of the Grecian War (1676), depicting human nature, authority, and conflict in detailed frontispieces.
Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679) was an English philosopher, political theorist, and historian whose ideas shaped modern understandings of government, authority, and human behaviour. Living through the English Civil War (1642–1651)—a conflict between supporters of the monarchy, led by Charles I of England, and forces loyal to the Parliament of England. Hobbes witnessed political chaos and civil unrest, which deeply influenced his thinking about order, power, and the need for strong governance.
Hobbes is best known for his 1651 work, Leviathan, which examines what human life would be like without government. The book’s frontispiece, designed by Abraham Bosse (c.1604-1676), a French engraver and artist known for his detailed prints, is a powerful visual representation of Hobbes’s political philosophy. It depicts a colossal sovereign whose body is composed entirely of hundreds of tiny, individual citizens, symbolizing the idea that political authority emerges from the consent of the governed. The sovereign holds a sword and crozier, representing temporal and spiritual power, while the panels below show institutions such as courts, universities, and churches that sustain the state and social order. The image conveys both the magnitude of the Leviathan’s authority and the interdependence between ruler and citizens, visually reinforcing Hobbes’s argument that a strong, unified government is necessary to prevent disorder and maintain peace.
Hobbes also authored The History of the Grecian War (1676), a detailed account of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. Its frontispiece is similarly rich in narrative and symbolic detail, portraying a sprawling battlefield scene filled with armoured soldiers, warships, and fortified cities, capturing both the scale and the chaos of war. Smoke rises from burning fortifications while commanders direct troops, emphasising the critical role of leadership and strategy. The image also includes representations of the civilian population and the consequences of conflict, war affecting both rulers and ordinary people alike. Through this visual complexity, Hobbes underscores the recurring themes of his political thought: human ambition, the struggle for power, and the necessity of strong governance to prevent societal collapse. The frontispiece acts as a visual prelude to the text, reminding readers that historical events are driven by both human decision and human nature, a core concern of Hobbes’s philosophical inquiries.
Together, these works highlight Hobbes’s lasting impact on political thought and history. His ideas continue to shape discussions about the balance between liberty and security.
Professor Rachel Hammersley, Professor of Intellectual History, and Dr Katie East, Senior Lecturer in History of Radical Ideas, provide further insight into Hobbes’ works in this Newcastle University Connecting Collections video. They explore how historical context, such as the English Civil War, shaped his thinking, and how examining the frontispieces and textual details can deepen understanding of Hobbes’s arguments about authority, conflict, and social order.
