About the Book:

The Twenty Greatest Philosophy Books is the essential guide to the top twenty greatest books in philosophy for those who have just never quite found the time to read them.

In this witty and engaging book, James Garvey offers an introductory account of the must-read books from the whole history of philosophical writing. From Plato to Popper, Descartes to Wittgenstein, the greatest books in philosophy have had a huge impact on the development of contemporary society, politics, economics and culture. This entertaining and intelligent guide introduces the philosophical questions central to these books that are of genuine interest to the general reader and opens up often complex and challenging ideas for wider debate.

This is the ideal book for those coming to philosophy for the first time. James Garvey introduces the key themes and terms in philosophy before exploring each of the twenty great philosophy books with humour and clarity. The book presupposes no background in philosophy and encourages the reader to actively engage in philosophical thinking.

The Twenty Greatest Philosophy Books is the essential guide for anyone with an interest in this fascinating subject.

What people say:

"Garvey's Twenty Greatest Philosophy Books cuts through the musty mystique of such great thinkers as Plato, Descartes and Kant, and explains some of the thinking behind their great books. He suggests philosophers are fun people prone to being arrested, poisoned, exiled or ending up running for their lives just because of what they think. His discussions are fresh and appealing, and his chosen books are resonant with relevance." — South China Morning Post

"[Garvey’s] distillations are master classes in concisions, clarity and accuracy. He doesn't make it all look easy, just no more difficult than it need be, which is more than can be said of many of the original authors under discussion…. For prospective students and complete beginners, the book is an excellent introduction to the kind of texts they are going to have to tackle directly sooner or later…. Garvey seems to understand more deeply, write better and explain more clearly than anyone else." — Times Higher Education

"Any collection strong in philosophy, especially at the introductory and high school level, should have a copy of The Twenty Greatest Philosophy Books on the shelf: it covers the works of Descartes, Hobbes, Plato, Sartre and others and reviews the major points of these philosophers, surveying their works, thinking, and influence on fellow philosophers and the course of the genre as a whole. A top pick for any beginner who would build a definitive foundation of philosophy titles." — Midwest Book Review

About the Author:

James Garvey is Secretary of the Royal Institute of Philosophy. He is the author of The Twenty Greatest Philosophy Books and The Ethics of Climate Change.