This is a study of Nozick's work and the debates to which it has given rise. It locates Nozick's work in the complex of current philosophical and political debates, and explores the influences on his work. It then proceeds to a more detailed analysis of Anarchy, State and Utopia, concentrating on Nozick's doctrine of rights, the minimal role he assigns to the state and his theory of justice. The book argues that many of the libertarian theories put forward by Nozick lack a convincing justification.