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reading_with_matt's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
sophieecook's review against another edition
4.0
a brilliantly readable introduction to the classical world and it’s exploration of philosophy, culture and scientific ideas. will definitely be picking up some of the recommended further reading material, Gaskin has furthered my curiosity immeasurably
fragrantwoodshavings's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, I would say this book is an excellent summary of the most prominent Greek philosophies, and the myriad of further reading recommendations make it an excellent starting point for anyone who would like to explore the classical world.
One thing I can especially appreciate is the variety that the author gives, laying out a picture of Greek culture instead of loosely explaining clutches of disconnected philosophical concepts, enriching the book by displaying the cities and territories that these great philosophers originated from and by extension painting a picture of the broader Greek world. The first 5 chapters of the book are entirely dedicated to this.
Though a word of warning that philosophy in general is not the most easily digestible concept, so do not be alarmed if you do not understand everything after your first reading! Some of the arguments portrayed are very complex, but the author will give disclaimers when he has oversimplified an argument in order to stay true to the book's purpose.
Another thing I can appreciate is that the author will often put English translations of the original passages that contain the ideas being referenced, which makes it excellent for getting a feel of the original texts.
As a traveller’s guide, it is essentially a skim over each person and philosophy, allowing you to to find points of interest and help you venture into them. I would say the book succeeds in this regard.
One thing I can especially appreciate is the variety that the author gives, laying out a picture of Greek culture instead of loosely explaining clutches of disconnected philosophical concepts, enriching the book by displaying the cities and territories that these great philosophers originated from and by extension painting a picture of the broader Greek world. The first 5 chapters of the book are entirely dedicated to this.
Though a word of warning that philosophy in general is not the most easily digestible concept, so do not be alarmed if you do not understand everything after your first reading! Some of the arguments portrayed are very complex, but the author will give disclaimers when he has oversimplified an argument in order to stay true to the book's purpose.
Another thing I can appreciate is that the author will often put English translations of the original passages that contain the ideas being referenced, which makes it excellent for getting a feel of the original texts.
As a traveller’s guide, it is essentially a skim over each person and philosophy, allowing you to to find points of interest and help you venture into them. I would say the book succeeds in this regard.
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