Living Biographies of Great Philosophers

This work, which was published just before the U.S. entry into WWII, would be better entitled "Living Biographies of Great WESTERN Philosophers." That aside, this is still a marvelous introduction for the layperson to major philosophers and their ideas. The biographies are in chronological order and range from Socrates to Santayana (who was an instructor of one of the authors). Each biography is well written, and reveals a wry sense of humor and a sense of the ironic. After listening to these, especially that of Schopenhauer, one may be tempted to think that the true mark of a great man is being a great jerk. Edward Lewis's tenor voice has a slight nasal quality but is quite adequate. His somewhat staccato delivery uses subtle inflection and varied pacing to make this journey into the history of ideas exciting. M.T.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

September 1, 2002
Featuring biographical details, the important publications, and a synopsis of the ideas of 21 philosophers, this classic has lost none of its relevance. When it was originally published in 1941, the 21 were considered the bedrock of Western thought: Plato and Socrates, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Voltaire, Emerson, Spencer, Nietzsche, William James, et al. Today, the same great thinkers reign over Western thought. Even Santayana is once again redeemed, and his superb prose ranks up there with Nietzsche's. Reader Edward Lewis presents each philosopher as a unique individual passionately engaged in an adventure in thought. A basic work for every library.-James L. Dudley, Westhampton, NY

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.