First, I must warn everyone that I have not read the entire book, but was extremely impressed with it after only reading one chapter! I had the pleasure of taking Prof. Neuhouser's class on social and political philosophy; Chapter 2 was cited as secondary reading as a supplement to Rousseau's Second Discourse and Social Contract. Prof. Neuhouser has an uncommon ability in both lecture and print to elucidate the material in such a way as to make it accessible without dumbing it down -- very helpful for someone who has no phil. background (like me!). I couldn't afford to buy a copy of this book right now, but I would if for just the deeper understanding of Rousseau it affords me. I'm sure anyone who has some familiarity with Hegel would be able to appreciate this book all the more!

Frederick Neuhouser has a great talent for bringing out Hegel's meaning. Although he claims only to elucidate Hegel, this work is tantamount to an original contribution to social theory. Specifically, he contributes strongly to understanding the way that state and society can serve as positive conditions for freedom or as parts of freedom itself. Neuhouser does not intentionally take on the claims of the opposing view held by conservative political theorists, but his work indirectly provides one of the most compelling refutations of the subjectivist approach of contemporary conservative political theory that I have ever read. Contemporary political and economic theory are, in my view, in Neuhouser's debt for this enlightening treatment of the social and political realms. Readers will appreciate the fact that he conveys these ideas through graceful prose unmarred by impenetrable jargon.

This work is an impressive attempt to establish the philosophical foundations of a modern, liberal political system--that is, a community of free beings who grant each other mutual recognition and rights. Fichte's particular political theories (including the notion of an "ephorate" and his disappointingly traditional views on women and marriage) are mostly of historical interest, but his initial analyses of "the I," of freedom, and of the concept of right are some of the best statements of his general philosophical position. His prose is often awkward and frustrating, but the passion and seriousness of his thought makes the book engrossing reading nevertheless. Michael Baur's translation is careful, and Frederick Neuhouser's introduction and notes are very helpful.

While the above review is of course very helpful, potential buyers and readers may want to know from someone who has actually read the book that it is indeed excellent. Neuhauser's book is in fact a "must-read" for anyone looking for a clear, well-written, and theoretically-informed treatment of Fichte's cryptic but groundbreaking account of self-consciousness. Readers with a healthy background in Kant will benefit most from the book. However, it is not written for specialists in the field. Anyone interested in understanding some of the basic moves in post-Kantian idealism would do well to start here.

I actually haven't read this book but Professor Neuhouser is my writing professor at the university I go to and he is a wonderful writer and wonderful philosopher. All of his ideas he presents to us in class are well-formulated and thought out and he cultivates this same thought and philosophy in us. I am going to read this book as soon as I have a chance.