The philosopher of individual self-expression, Rousseau was a leading precursor of the Romantic movement. He famously declared, Man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains. Rousseau himself spent several years as a fugitive and was finally acclaimed by the French Revolution 11 years after his death. The Virgin Philosophers Series covers the lives and ideas of the major philosophers. Author Paul Strathern highlights the major advances in philosophy, as well as the men who conceived them and the times in which they lived. Containing quotes, insights and anecdotes, the aim of the series is to clarify the mysteries of philosophy for the general reader.