Marriage in Seventeenth-Century English Political Thought

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The book explores the decline of marriage as a metaphor for political authority in Seventeenth-century political thought, highlighting its connection to divine right absolutism and the balance of royal power and subjects' liberties. The shift away from this metaphor in the mid-century aligns with the rise of patriarchalist and social contract theories, which emphasize the role of 'fathers of families' without equating political governance to marriage. This transformation reflects significant changes in the understanding of authority and consent during this period.