Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), philosopher and reformer, is one of the most influential thinkers of the modern age. This introduction to his writings presents a representative selection of texts authoritatively restored by the Bentham Project, University College London. As well as more familiar pieces on utility, law, and politics/policy, highlights include the succinct essay "On Retrenchment" and a never-before-published treatise on sex. The volume is completed by major interpretative essays by Mark Canuel, David Lieberman, Jennifer Pitts, and Philip Schofield.

The texts included in the book are:

-Sex

-An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, Preface and Chapters 1–5

-Place and Time

-Rationale of Judicial Evidence, Specially Applied to English Practice, Book 1, Chapter 1

-Constitutional Code Rationale, Chapters 1 and 2

-Pannomial Fragments

-Panopticon, or, the Inspection-House, Letters 1, 2, and 6

-Of Publicity

-Manual of Political Economy, Chapters 1 and 2

-Nonsense Upon Stilts (excluding the Observations on Sieyes)

-On Retrenchment