Adams presents an interpretation of three parts of Leibniz's metaphysics, thoroughly grounded in the texts as well as in philosophical analysis and critique. The three areas discussed are the metaphysical part of Leibniz's philosophy of logic, his essentially theological treatment of the central issues of ontology, and his theory of substance.

"A thorough and well-researched book that deserves to be placed in every library, next to Russell's classic Leibniz text."--Choice "Professor Adams has produced a finely detailed and elaborately worked-out apology for the German metaphysician....This is an austere and often daunting work which makes few concessions to those who are not already closely interested in Leibniz's philosophy. Its range is impressive....On any showing, it must be counted a formidable scholarly achievement."--The Times Literary Supplement "Leibniz could not have hoped for a more thoughtful and penetrating, more careful, sensitive, and positive, examination of his ideas than this....Given the evident `love of truth' exhibited in Adam's book, he surely would have welcomed it."--The Times Higher Education Supplement "...Adams has produced a work on Leibniz of outstanding significance. Adams deftly handles the massive historical resources now available to Leibniz scholars, producing a major philosophical work which is a joy to read."--The Review of Metaphysics "A thorough and well-researched book that deserves to be placed in every library, next to Russell's classic Leibniz text."--Choice "Professor Adams has produced a finely detailed and elaborately worked-out apology for the German metaphysician.... Its range is impressive....On any showing, it must be counted a formidable scholarly achievement....a monumental study--The Times Literary Supplement "Leibniz could not have hoped for a more thoughtful and penetrating, more careful, sensitive, and positive, examination of his ideas than this....Given the evident `love of truth' exhibited in Adam's book, he surely would have welcomed it."--The Times Higher Education Supplement "...Adams has produced a work on Leibniz of outstanding significance. Adams deftly handles the massive historical resources now available to Leibniz scholars, producing a major philosophical work which is a joy to read."--The Review of Metaphysics "Robert Merrihew Adams' new book, Leibniz: Determinist, Theist, Idealist, is an extraordinary accomplishment. I am enormously impressed by the depth of Adams' scholarship, by his encyclopedic knowledge of Leibniz's philosophy, by the subtlety of his interpretations, and the sure eye he has for unraveling a philosophical argument. The fruit of many years of reading and careful reflection, it combines originality and imagination with a knowledge of the texts and manuscripts that is astonishing. It is a classic which will be read and discussed for many years to come."-- Daniel Garber, Leibniz Society Review "Leibniz: Determinist, Theist, Idealist is a masterpiece, and quite simply the best book in the field. Closely argued, sweeping in scope, gracefully written and intelligently composed, it will be the standard against which subsequent studies are measured as well as the focus of dispute for a long time."--Australasian Journal of Philosophy