A work finished in 1159, written by John of Salisbury (c. 1115— 80), erstwhile secretary to Thomas Becket and later bishop of Chartres. Referred to sometimes as the Statesman's Book, it was intended as a philosophy of the contemporary state. The Policraticus is of real importance for being a truly medieval statement, appearing as it did before the work of Aristotle was available, which profoundly influenced later thinking.
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.