This book investigates the complex relationship between political theory and the concept of modernity. William E. Connolly, a distinguished scholar in political science, examines how foundational political ideas have been shaped by and, in turn, have shaped the modern era. The work delves into the philosophical underpinnings and historical developments that define our understanding of political life in the context of modernity.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of political theory and its historical evolution. Scholars often cite Connolly's nuanced analysis of how modernity has both challenged and been defined by political thought. The book is typically regarded as a dense, academic text suitable for advanced students and researchers in political science and philosophy.