Overview
About this book
Hobbes begins with sensation, language and human motives before constructing an argument for political covenant and sovereign authority. The book’s long architecture rewards attention to how each definition supports later claims.
- First published
- 1651
- Language
- English
- Copyright status
- Public domain
- Source edition
- Project Gutenberg ebook #3207
English level
B2–C1 · Deep reading
Leviathan is calibrated from 38,598 sampled words across 22 chapters: sentences average 37.5 words, 62.5% exceed 24 words and 9% of words are nine letters or longer.
Explore the B2–C1 level →Sentence rhythm
What the prose asks
Extended sentences averaging 37.5 words, with 36.7% reaching 40 words or more
Vocabulary
What may slow you down
9% of sampled words contain nine or more letters and about 2.46 marked archaic terms per thousand words; names and period vocabulary still vary by chapter
Reading rhythm
Long-form project
Regular chapter-sized stopping points support a steady plan. About 39 calm 30-minute sessions.
Suggested approach
Read with momentum
Read in planned sessions and keep short notes on claims, evidence and changes in voice
Best starting point
Begin with chapter one
The full text is ready with speech, lookup and saved progress.
CEFR-aligned Linden estimate · high confidence · sampled full text · Calibrated 2026-09-08 · Provisional, not an exam certification.
Table of contents
22 chapters
- 01Leviathan · Part I44 min
- 02Leviathan · Part II43 min
- 03Leviathan · Part III43 min
- 04Leviathan · Part IV44 min
- 05Leviathan · Part V44 min
- 06Leviathan · Part VI44 min
- 07Leviathan · Part VII43 min
- 08Leviathan · Part VIII43 min
- 09Leviathan · Part IX44 min
- 10Leviathan · Part X43 min
- 11Leviathan · Part XI46 min
- 12Leviathan · Part XII44 min
- 13Leviathan · Part XIII48 min
- 14Leviathan · Part XIV45 min
- 15Leviathan · Part XV45 min
- 16Leviathan · Part XVI45 min
- 17Leviathan · Part XVII44 min
- 18Leviathan · Part XVIII45 min
- 19Leviathan · Part XIX46 min
- 20Leviathan · Part XX45 min
- 21Leviathan · Part XXI44 min
- 22Leviathan · Part XXII29 min
Related author
Thomas Hobbes
An English philosopher whose account of human motives, law and sovereignty argues from conflict and insecurity toward political authority.
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