Books

I am currently writing a series of introductory philosophy books for Blackwell. These are aimed at students and general readers, and are intended to provide accessible guides to key philosophical themes and texts. For more information, see the My Books section below.

My aim is to publish regular reviews of philosophy books that are suitable for students or the general reader. As such, you are welcome to send me books for review. For more information, and all reviews to date, see the Reviews section below.

My Books

• General Information - info on my published books, forthcoming releases and how to order.
• A Beginner's Guide to Descartes's Meditations - An introduction to the Meditations. Includes summary of main arguments, background information (life of Descartes, historical context), critical analysis of main themes, and discussion of Descartes's correspondence with his contemporaries (the Objections And Replies), and a glossary of essential terms. Available Now.
• A Beginner's Guide to Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil - An introduction to Beyond Good And Evil. Contains destailed section-by-section summary of Nietzsche's text, identification and explanation of key concepts, critical analysis of main themes, useful background information (life of Nietzsche, historical and intellectual context) and a detailed glossary. Published December - Available For Pre-Order.

Reviews

• General Information - info on how to submit a book for review and my LAUD rating system.

L = Layperson - This book will appeal to those with no specific knowledge of philosophy (this does not mean that it is 'easy', or 'for dummies', but merely that you don't need to have studied philosophy to find it interesting or enjoyable). A = A-level student (UK)/Freshman (US) - This book will be useful for those studying philosophy. It assumes that you will want a certain level of detail and coverage of the subject, and that you are not just reading it for pleasure. However, it is still an introductory text. U = Undergraduate - Generally, a book of this type will provide more detail and be more challenging than a beginner's guide. So, it will either assume some previous knowledge, or else treat the subject in a way that will be useful for more in-depth study. As such, it will be most suitable for those who have aleady read an introductory text, are fairly familiar with the general nature of the subject, and are looking to develop their understanding further. D = Detailed study at degree level. Books of this type are generally quite hard, and - because of their level of detail and depth of argument - are not suitable for beginners or as introductions to the subject. However, they may still be useful for those who have become familiar with the topic in question, and wish to delve deeper (perhaps in search of advanced criticism or clarification of difficult points). Descartes

• Descartes - A fascinating and fresh approach to Cartesian philosophy, ideal for providing a different perspective on familiar ideas.
  Rating: U D

Nietzsche

• Nietzsche Within Your Grasp - a useful brief overview of Nietzsche's thought, useful both for those new to Nietzsche, and students looking to make connections between Nietzsche's works.
  Rating: L A U

Theory of Knowledge

• Theory of Knowledge (Access to Philosophy) - an excellent little introduction to the subject, ideal for beginning A-Level students.
  Rating: A

Philosophy of Mind

• Frontiers of Consciousness - a somewhat challenging and specialist, but in places useful and accessible overview of various contributions to the contemporary debate on consciousness.
  Rating: D

Miscellaneous

• Darwin's Origin of Species: A Biography - a very interesting, readable and well-written account of how this world-changing book came to be written.
  Rating: L A U D
  
  
• Watchmen - for long a classic of the comic book genre, Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' study of superhero frailties and the paradoxes of power is a fascinating and satisfying read.

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