The history of philosophy is, by definition, an epic tale, the adventurous exploration of the ideas, opinions, and teachings of some of the most creative minds humanity has encountered across the globe. And this here is perhaps the most comprehensive, inspired, and captivating concise history of philosophy written since 1945 and Bertrand Russell's History of Western Philosophy.

With exceptional clarity and elegance, A. C. Grayling takes the reader on a journey from Buddhism, Confucianism, and Socrates to the dominance of Christianity in the European mind, from the Renaissance and the Enlightenment to John Stuart Mill, Nietzsche, and Sartre, and from there to the present day. Epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, logic, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, political philosophy, and philosophy of history come together in a landmark work for our century.

"A fascinating, profound, and exceptionally thorough study of philosophical thought." The New York Times Review

"Grayling has composed a masterful and often entertaining chronicle of the epic intellectual journey we humans have undertaken, across various periods, countries, and cultures, to understand ourselves, our world, and how we ought to live. It is a rare achievement that transcends the usual boundaries of academic specialization." Peter Singer, Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University

"A delightful intellectual adventure, written with clarity and grace... the sections on Eastern thought are a revelation..." The Sunday Times