Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction. Mr. Strauss goes to Washington? -- ch. 1. The return of the ancients : an overview of the Straussian project -- ch. 2. Strauss, modernity, America -- ch. 3. Leo Strauss as a postmodern political thinker -- ch. 4. The man who gave away the secrets : on esotericism -- ch. 5. Leo Strauss, teacher of evil? -- ch. 6. The emergence of the Straussian study of America -- ch. 7. Straussian geography.

Is Leo Strauss truly an intellectual forebear of neoconservatism and a powerful force in shaping Bush administration foreign policy? The Truth about Leo Strauss puts this question to rest, revealing for the first time how the popular media came to perpetuate such an oversimplified view of such a complex and wide-ranging philosopher. More important, it corrects our perception of Strauss, providing the best general introduction available to the political thought of this misunderstood figure. Catherine and Michael Zuckert--both former students of Strauss--guide readers here to a nuanced understandi.

Description based on print version record.