Hobbes by Sir Leslie Stephen is a detailed biography and exploration of Thomas Hobbes, author of the Leviathan and a leading English thinker between Bacon and Locke. The work delves into Hobbes's life, from his premature birth in 1588 amidst the fear of the Spanish Armada to his education and early career. Hobbes studied at Oxford, formed a crucial connection with the Cavendish family, and traveled Europe, broadening his intellectual horizons. He translated works like Thucydides to refine his style and formulated his philosophical doctrines, which were deeply influenced by his fascination with geometry and motion. Hobbes's political theories, developed during the turmoil of the English Civil War, emphasized the necessity of an absolute sovereign for societal stability. His major works, including the Leviathan, De Cive, and De Corpore, were controversial, earning him both acclaim and criticism. Hobbes's encounters and disputes with contemporaries like Bacon and Descartes, and his involvement with the philosophical circle around Mersenne in Paris, are highlighted. Despite his later years being marked by intellectual battles, particularly with Oxford mathematicians over his claims of squaring the circle, Hobbes's influence persisted. He maintained relationships with notable figures like Harvey and Selden, and even in his old age, continued to produce significant works, including a complete translation of Homer's epics. Hobbes's final years were spent at Chatsworth, continuing his intellectual pursuits until his death in 1679. The book paints a comprehensive picture of Hobbes, illustrating his profound impact on political philosophy and his enduring legacy.