Harvey C. Mansfield, a political theorist and professor of government at Harvard University, will deliver the 2007 Jefferson Lecture in the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities announced today.

The lecture, described as “the most prestigious honor the federal government bestows for distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities,” will take place this year on May 8 in Washington, and carries a $10,000 honorarium. His topic will be “How to Understand Politics: What the Humanities Can Say to Science.”

Mr. Mansfield has written widely on the history of Western political thought. His books include translations of works by Machiavelli and de Tocqueville; studies of political parties, liberalism, and executive power; and Manliness (2006), an aggressive celebration of the virtues of masculinity in an age of gender neutrality.

“With a distinguished career of thoughtful — and thought-provoking — discourse on political theory and higher education, Harvey Mansfield has captivated his readers and students with the strength of his convictions and the depth of his courage,” the endowment’s chairman, Bruce Cole, said in a written statement. “This prolific author and engaging teacher offers a truly distinctive perspective on political thought and practice.”

Mr. Mansfield has also been an occasional contributor to The Chronicle Review:

How Harvard Compromised Its Virtue (2/21/2003) Grade Inflation: It’s Time to Face the Facts (4/6/2001)

—Jennifer Howard