Aristotle's Politics is a key document in Western political thought In these first two books Aristotle shows his complete mastery of political theory & practice & raises many crucial issues still with us today In Book I he argues vigorously for a political theory based on 'nature' By nature man is a 'political animal' one naturally fitted for life in a polis or state Some people however are natural slaves; & women are by nature subordinate to men Acquisition & exchange are natural but not trading for profit In Book II he launches a sharp attack on Plato's two 'utopias' the Republic & the Laws & also criticizes three historical states reputed to be well governed Sparta Crete & Carthage This volume contains a close translation of these two books together with a philosophical commentary It is well suited to the requirements of readers who do not know Greek