The Commonwealth of Oceana
The Commonwealth of Oceana, published in 1656 by James Harrington, is a political treatise presented as the description of an imaginary republic, Oceana, which stands for England after the Civil War. Harrington argues that political power follows the balance of property, especially land, and that a stable commonwealth needs an agrarian law limiting estates, rotation in office, a secret ballot and a division between a senate that debates and a popular assembly that decides. He sets out the principles, the work of a council of legislators and a detailed model constitution. His ideas influenced later republican thinkers, including the American founders. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Commonwealth of Oceana
The Commonwealth of Oceana by James Harrington can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Commonwealth of Oceana online?
Yes. The Commonwealth of Oceana opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Commonwealth of Oceana free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Commonwealth of Oceana is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Commonwealth of Oceana in the public domain?
Yes. The Commonwealth of Oceana by James Harrington is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Commonwealth of Oceana?
About 7 h 34 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Commonwealth of Oceana?
The Commonwealth of Oceana by James Harrington is filed under "Science Fiction & Fantasy" in the Vinteuil library.
