---
product_id: 241564051
title: "The Social Contract (Penguin Classics)"
price: "NZ$48"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/241564051-the-social-contract-penguin-classics
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# The Social Contract (Penguin Classics)

**Price:** NZ$48
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The Social Contract (Penguin Classics)
- **How much does it cost?** NZ$48 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/241564051-the-social-contract-penguin-classics)

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- Free international shipping included
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## Description

'Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains' These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has not ceased to stir debate since its publication in 1762. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others, Rousseau argues instead for a pact, or 'social contract', that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. From this fundamental premise, he goes on to consider issues of liberty and law, freedom and justice, arriving at a view of society that has seemed to some a blueprint for totalitarianism, to others a declaration of democratic principles. Translated and Introduced by Maurice Cranston

Review: Social contract + other important essays - Very good translation with excellent introduction by Alan Ryan. This edition includes in addition to the Social Contract, 1 Discourse on the Arts and Science, 2 Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, 3 Discourse on Political Economy, 4 The General society of the Human Race. Recommended edition and works.
Review: Having read the French version - albeit a long time ago as a student - this translation is fluent and easy. In my view - I found it most enlightening. Having read the French version - albeit a long time ago as a student - this translation is fluent and easy. In my view, Jean Jaques Rousseau is underestimated as a philosopher and as a singularly good member of the Enlightenment. His phrase "Man is born free and everywhere is in chains.." resonates with much of what passes for democracy in today's world.

## Features

- New
- Mint Condition
- Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
- Guaranteed packaging
- No quibbles returns

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | 28,657 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 376 in Biographies about Medical, Legal & Social Sciences 844 in Social & Cultural History |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 883 Reviews |

## Images

![The Social Contract (Penguin Classics) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/6120MVjJ9zL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Social contract + other important essays
*by M***O on 2 October 2022*

Very good translation with excellent introduction by Alan Ryan. This edition includes in addition to the Social Contract, 1 Discourse on the Arts and Science, 2 Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, 3 Discourse on Political Economy, 4 The General society of the Human Race. Recommended edition and works.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Having read the French version - albeit a long time ago as a student - this translation is fluent and easy. In my view
*by A***R on 26 August 2016*

I found it most enlightening. Having read the French version - albeit a long time ago as a student - this translation is fluent and easy. In my view, Jean Jaques Rousseau is underestimated as a philosopher and as a singularly good member of the Enlightenment. His phrase "Man is born free and everywhere is in chains.." resonates with much of what passes for democracy in today's world.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect!
*by D***X on 10 December 2023*

Thanks for this paperback book. It's perfect! No complaints at all.

## Frequently Bought Together

- The Social Contract (Penguin Books for Philosophy)
- Leviathan (Penguin Classics)
- A Discourse on Inequality (Penguin Classics)

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-06-21*