This title includes contributions from an international team of leading Locke experts, covering all the key themes and topics, Locke's life, context, reception and enduring influence. John Locke (1632-1704) was a leading seventeenth-century philosopher and widely considered to be the first of the British Empiricists. One of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers, his major works and central ideas have had a significant impact on the development of key areas in political philosophy and epistemology. This comprehensive and accessible guide to Locke's life and work includes more than 90 specially commissioned entries, written by a team of leading experts, covering every aspect of Locke's thought. The Companion presents details of Locke's life, historical and philosophical context, a comprehensive overview of the all the key themes and topics apparent in his work, and a thorough account of his reception and enduring influence. This is an essential reference tool for anyone working in the fields of Locke Studies and Seventeenth-Century Philosophy. "The Continuum Companions" series is a major series of single volume companions to key research fields in the humanities aimed at postgraduate students, scholars and libraries. Each companion offers a comprehensive reference resource giving an overview of key topics, research areas, new directions and a manageable guide to beginning or developing research in the field. A distinctive feature of the series is that each companion provides practical guidance on advanced study and research in the field, including research methods and subject specific resources. This title features 50-60 contributors, including the editor of the competing "Cambridge Companion".