This is a vey useful guide to the social contract. It's especially good in showing how The Social Contract fits with Roussea's other writings. It would be a good book for students of political science, philosophy, or those interested in European history. It doesn't presuppose a great deal of philosophical background, but isn't boring for those who have it. I especially though that Bertram did a nice job of connecting The Social Contract with Rousseau's other writings, showing how they fit together (or don't, as the case may be.) I would have liked it to be a bit longer and more in depth at times, but it's a nicely done, informative, and readable book.