Rousseau’s classic work on political organization, with prescient discussions of the corruption of democracies, is narrated by Neville Jason in a style that is elevated but not stiff, conversational but proper. His interpretation lends appropriate emphasis and weight to words and sentences, and his understanding of the text helps the listener’s understanding. For the most part, he keeps to a pace that allows listeners to follow without strain—though philosophy by audio may call for frequent pauses to think through the argument. Jason keeps his skill and any effort invisible; we’re presented with the book as an engaging argument from an intelligent thinker, and never distracted by the narrator. W.M. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine