First published in 1983. The primary argument of this book is that there is a coherent tradition of liberal thinking. The book focuses on six modern liberals, and highlights similarities and disagreements and providing a comprehensive study of modern liberalism.

Acknowledgements; Introductory; Part One: Human Nature; 1. Individuality 2. Sociability: Social Life 3. Sociability: Community 4. Developmentalism; Part Two: Politics; 5. Liberty 6. Democracy 7. Economic Organisation; Concluding Remarks; Bibliography; Index