The History of Philosophy

“[A] highly readable narrative . . . lively. . . For a book that covers more than 100 individual thinkers spanning 2,500 years, the level of both detail and accuracy is admirable.” —Wall Street Journal

“The History of Philosophy isn’t just worth buying; it’s worth scribbling in and dog-earing. For a work of scholarship, there can be no higher praise.” —Michael Dirda, Washington Post

“Grayling offers a witty, learned, authoritative survey of philosophical thought in both the Western and Eastern traditions.”—The New York Times Book Review

“A capacious and stimulating chronicle of philosophical endeavor.”—Booklist, starred review

“Grayling presents an impressive, comprehensive catalogue of great thought and thinkers in this sweeping survey […] Perhaps Grayling’s greatest strength lies in his ability to categorize, contrast, and clarify complex ideas, such as Plato’s theory of forms and Kant’s categorical imperative. Elegant, clear, and precise […] Grayling’s superb work is an indispensable resource for any “serious student of ideas.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Grayling  offers a remarkably comprehensive history of philosophy from ancient Greece to the present. He covers not only Western philosophy but Indian, Chinese, Arabic-Persian, and African philosophy as well, and his skill as an expositor is apparent [ . . . ] This work will interest readers of philosophy and intellectual history. It aims at general audiences, but scholars will also find it valuable.”—Library Journal, starred review
 
“A magnificent recapping of the history of philosophy, as it stands apart from theology, in the classic model of Bertrand Russell, as ‘an invitation and an entrance’ … [I]t is a delight to engage in this sweeping history of the great thinkers throughout the ages, from pre-Socratics to the present….Grayling’s accessible omnibus will provide a stepping stone for the student or novice.”—Kirkus Reviews

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