CLASSIC THINKERS
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Spinoza JUSTIN STEINBERG & VALTTERI VILJANEN Brooklyn College, CUNY; University of Turku Benedict de Spinoza is one of the most controversial and enigmatic thinkers in the history of philosophy. His greatest work, Ethics (1677), developed a comprehensive philosophical system and argued that God and Nature are identical. His scandalous Theological-Political Treatise (1670) provoked outrage during his lifetime due to its biblical criticism, anticlericalism, and defense of the freedom to philosophize. Together, these works earned Spinoza a reputation as a singularly radical thinker. In this book, Steinberg and Viljanen offer a concise and up-to-date account of Spinoza’s thought and its philosophical legacy. They explore the full range of Spinoza’s ideas, from politics and theology to ontology and epistemology. Drawing broadly on Spinoza’s impressive oeuvre, they have crafted a lucid introduction for readers unfamiliar with this important philosopher, as well as a nuanced and enlightening study for more experienced readers. Accessible and compelling, Spinoza is the go-to text for anyone seeking to understand the thought of one of history’s most fascinating thinkers. 229 x 152mm • 192 pages • UK October 2020, US December 2020 HB • 978-0-7456-6489-7 • £55.00 / $69.95 / €67.90 PB • 978-0-7456-6490-3 • £16.99 / $24.95 / €21.90 ebook available
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Adam Smith CRAIG SMITH University of Glasgow ‘Craig Smith’s book triumphantly succeeds in covering the full range of Adam Smith’s work and successfully demonstrates that it has a common unifying thread. Written without jargon, the book can be wholeheartedly recommended as an excellent, accessible introduction.’ Christopher Berry, University of Glasgow ‘This book distils the experience of a very careful scholar and teacher of Adam Smith. The lucid prose dismantles stereotypes and appeals to readers of all levels.’ Maria Pia Paganelli, Trinity University 229 x 152mm • 224 pages • UK February 2020, US April 2020 HB • 978-1-5095-1822-7 • £55.00 / $69.95 / €67.90 PB • 978-1-5095-1823-4 • £16.99 / $24.95 / €21.90 ebook available
Simmel THOMAS KEMPLE University of British Columbia ‘This beautifully written guide brings into vivid microscopic focus the protean wholeness and diversity of Simmel’s magisterial thinking about money, economy, value, life, metropolitan existence, and the fundamental conflicts of modern culture and society.’ Austin Harrington, University of Leeds 229 x 152mm • 224 pages • 2018 HB • 978-1-5095-2110-4 • £55.00 / $69.95 / €67.90 PB • 978-1-5095-2111-1 • £16.99 / $24.95 / €21.90 ebook available
See backlist for more titles in the Classic Thinkers series.
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Socrates WILLIAM J. PRIOR Santa Clara University ‘Prior’s Socrates is an outstanding introduction. Written with clarity and grace, it provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of Socrates’ thought and legacy, guided by a judicious reading of Plato’s dialogues, and informed by a wide knowledge of the secondary literature.’ Richard Kraut, Northwestern University 229 x 152mm • 224 pages • UK September 2019, US November 2019 HB • 978-1-5095-2973-5 • £55.00 / $69.95 / €67.90 PB • 978-1-5095-2974-2 • £17.99 / $24.95 / €23.90 ebook available
Rousseau CÉLINE SPECTOR Université Michel de Montaigne-Bordeaux 3 ‘Céline Spector provides a comprehensive treatment of Rousseau’s political thought, dealing with both major and less-known writings. She has mastered both anglophone and francophone scholarship and is particularly helpful in showing Rousseau’s place in debates within contemporary political theory.’ Christopher Kelly, Boston College 229 x 152mm • 240 pages • 2019 HB • 978-1-5095-1648-3 • £55.00 / $69.95 / €67.90 PB • 978-1-5095-1649-0 • £16.99 / $24.95 / €21.90 ebook available
Marx TERRELL CARVER University of Bristol ‘Full of insight and enthusiasm, Terrell Carver’s provocative new book gives us a welcome portrait of Marx as very much our contemporary – a political activist grappling with issues that still concern us, in ways we can still learn from.’ David Leopold, University of Oxford 229 x 152mm • 240 pages • 2017 HB • 978-1-5095-1817-3 • £55.00 / $69.95 / €67.90 PB • 978-1-5095-1818-0 • £16.99 / $24.95 / €21.90 ebook available
Thomas More JOANNE PAUL University of Sussex ‘For too long, there have been multiple Mores: Thomas More - the “man for all seasons” - has also seemed to be a man of many faces ... In this brilliant, lucid, and pithy account, Joanne Paul reunites More with himself by identifying the central idea that animated his thought and action. This is an original and illuminating work that should be compulsory for any reader of Utopia.’ 229 x 152mm • 192 pages • 2016 HB • 978-0-7456-9216-6 • £55.00 / $69.95 / €67.90 PB • 978-0-7456-9217-3 • £15.99 / $24.95 / €19.90 ebook available
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