Rating: 
Summary: A MAGNUM OPUS
Review: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________The author, U.S. historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Will Durant (1885-1981) has written an exceptional book for any reader who wants to survey the history and development of philosophical ideas of the Western world. However, this book is just not your typical survey! It is also a stimulating introduction and enthusiastic invitation to philosophy of the Western world. This book concerns itself with fifteen influential Western world philosophers. Each of them has their own chapter title. These thinkers are as follows: (i) Spinoza, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, Bergson*(ii) Croce* (iii) Plato, Aristotle, Kant, James^(iv) Spencer, Dewey^, Russell* and (v) Bacon, Voltaire, Satayana^. (The three *asterisked* names are under the chapter title "Contemporary European Philosophers" and the three ^arrowed^ names are under the chapter title "Contemporary American Philosopers.") Other Western philosophers that are not as thoroughly discussed have their own sections (or sections in collaboration with others) within these chapters. These include Socrates, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, and Comte. As well, yet other Western philosopers are briefly mentioned in the main body of the book. Why do I call this book a Magnum Opus (that is, a Masterpiece)? There are several reasons for this: (1) The INTRODUCTION. Even though it is brief, it is written brilliantly and is a treat to read. The reader, especially the first-time reader of Durant's works (such as myself) gets an idea at how skillful Durant is with words. I even recognized some disguised Shakespeare! (2) The BOOK'S CONTENT. This book is not just about philosophies but also about philosophers and the time in which they lived. The author combines his witty and dazzling narrative with excerpts from each philosopher's works so as to weave an interesting story. The author not only quotes the philosophers throughout but he directs the reader to the actual texts from which the quotations came. As a result, when I finished reading the book, I had a desire to read more. (3) A USEFUL CHART (or Table). It is entitled "Table of Philosophic Affiliations" and is located near the beginning of the third chapter. It indicates the main lines of philosophical development in Europe and America by including the names and lifespans of almost fifty philosophers (including the ones detailed in the book) of the Western world. This chart divides the fifty philosophers into five groups where each member of the group practices a similar philosophy. The reader can also tell at a glance the name of the previous philosopher or philosophers that influenced a future philosopher (and vice versa). It also shows how a philosopher in one group can be influenced by a philosopher in another group. As an example, the groupings of the fifteen philosophers in paragraph three (above) of this review are based on this chart. (4) A HELPUL GLOSSARY. Philosophy can introduce many new, unfamiliar words. To aid in deciphering these words, there is a small glossary found at the back of the book. There are two irritations I have with my paperback edition. It should be emphasized that these are NOT the author's fault and they do NOT interfere with the story flow of the book. First, on the front cover of the book there is an omission. It is that the word "Western" should appear in the book's subtitle. It should thus read "The Lives and Opinions of the WESTERN World's Greatest Philosophers." Second, the important chart of (3) above is very easy to miss. It should be indicated in the Table of Contents that it even exists. As well, it would be easier to refer too if it was placed at the back of the book with the glossary. In conclusion, if you want a brilliant and concise account of the lives and ideas of the greatest philosophers of the Western world that's written with wit for the nonspecialist, then get this profound book!! ***************************************************************
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