Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes

Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes

Level
C1
Words
210,087
Chapters
50
First published
1651
Reading time
about 23 hours
Translation
instant AI translation as you read

Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary

A foundational work of political philosophy that argues for a social contract and absolute sovereignty to avoid the chaos of a state of nature. Hobbes examines human nature and the necessity of a powerful commonwealth. Its arguments are presented in clear, logical prose, though the vocabulary is advanced, making it a challenging but rewarding read for advanced learners.

Learn English with Leviathan

  • Suits learners around level C1: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
  • 9,536 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
  • Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.

How it works

  1. Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
  2. Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
  3. Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.

More about the method

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Questions about this book

Can I read Leviathan in English for free?

Yes. The first chapters of Leviathan open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.

How much English do I need?

The text is estimated at level C1. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.

Is there audio?

Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.