This is an outstanding single-volume synopsis of the key people and themes in the history of western philosophy. Moseley's authoritative command of the subject is enhanced by an informal writing style that is free of unnecessary technical jargon. While the book's alphabetical arrangement makes it a valuable reference work, its narrative structure flows so smoothly that it can be enjoyably read cover to cover. If you are new to philosophy, this is the place to begin; if you are already philosophically adept, you will appreciate the book as a convenient repository of philosophical knowledge.

- Professor James Fieser, University of Tennessee, USA,

Alexander Moseley has written a clear, useful, and often witty primer on the key figures and concepts of philosophy. Undergraduates and general readers new to the subject will be in his debt.

- Edward Feser, Pasadena City College, USA,

Moseley does have obvious strengths in particular subject areas as well as a conversational and sometimes humorous style.

Library Journal