The Social Contract
by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Maurice Cranston
The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Maurice Cranston holds a well received rating of 3.75 out of 5, based on 24.4K reader ratings. First published in 1762. The book spans 168 pages.
About The Social Contract
"Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains."These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has not ceased to stir vigorous debate since its first 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.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Maurice Cranston |
| Published | 1762 |
| Pages | 168 |
| Genres | Philosophy, Non-Fiction, Classics, History |
| Average Rating | 3.75 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 24,397 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Social Contract?
The Social Contract is categorized as Philosophy, Non-Fiction, Classics, History. Its primary genre classification is Classics.
Is The Social Contract worth reading?
Based on 24.4K reader ratings, The Social Contract has an average score of 3.75 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Social Contract?
The Social Contract has 168 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote The Social Contract?
The Social Contract was written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Maurice Cranston. It was first published in 1762.
What is the ISBN for The Social Contract?
The ISBN-13 for The Social Contract is 9780143037490.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
