An ambitious and radically original reading of philosopher Francis Bacon.Comprehensive in its ambitions and meticulous in its approach, The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon is a new and unique interpretation of one of early modernitys more important thinkers. Whereas recent works on Bacon tend to confine themselves either to interpreting his historical context or to considering the founder of Baconianism from the perspective of one work in particular or the history of science in general, Tom van Malssen argues, through detailed and provocative interpretations of a number of Baconian writings, that the unity of Bacons thought can only be revealed if these writings are read in historical and philosophical conjunction as well as on the assumption that they are all somehow part of the whole of Bacons political philosophy. In addition to restoring Bacon to the pantheon of great philosophers, van Malssen demonstrates that a proper understanding of Bacons political philosophy contributes significantly to our understanding of the nature of philanthropic science, the modern project, and ultimately ourselves.This book will become an enduring pillar of our understanding of Bacons philosophy. The scholarship and mastery of the historical sources, both philosophic and Biblical, are brilliant. Jerry Weinberger, author of Science, Faith, and Politics: Francis Bacon and the Utopian Roots of the Modern Age: A Commentary on Bacons Advancement of LearningThe scholarship of Bacon in this book is masterful. It should transform and deepen the field, the field being the nature and history of the philosophic life. This is arguably the most thoughtful, penetrating, and ultimately revealing book on Bacon ever written. Svetozar Minkov, author of Francis Bacons Inquiry Touching Human Nature: Virtue, Philosophy, and the Relief of Mans Estate