Durant's History of Philosophy not only presents the ideas and philosophical systems of "monarchs of thought" such as Plato, Aristotle, Francis Bacon, Spinoza, Kant, Voltaire, Locke, and others of similar stature, but also their personalities, their real-life biographies. The author introduces the titans of the past and, likewise, does not neglect the most celebrated modern philosophers of his time, such as Bergson, Croce, Russell, and Dewey. In this magnum opus, he rigorously and meticulously constructs a history of philosophy that shows how the ideas of each thinker inspired and influenced, intertwining with one another, subsequent generations.

First published in 1926 and since then a massive international bestseller—having captivated more than five million readers—A History of Philosophy is an excellent read even for the layperson, a complete philosophy course for anyone wishing to delve into the development of Western thought. And not die trying.