Leviathan

Leviathan was a book written in 1651 by Thomas Hobbes. The book concerns the structure of society, as is evidenced by the full title "Leviathan or the matter, forme and power of a common-wealth ecclesiasticall and civill". In the book, Thomas Hobbes gives an argument for a social contract and rule by a sovereign state. Hobbes is adamant that without an external power to impose laws, the state of nature would be one of immanent warfare. That is, "during the time men live without a common Power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called Warre; and such a warre, as is of every man, against every man." The frontispiece to the book shows the absolute sovereign with a body made up of individuals. Leviathan is also the name of a biblical sea monster.