This authoritative new introduction draws on both Richard H. Popkin's unparallel
ed scholarship and a wealth of historical and philosophical sources to highlight
the real influences behind Spinoza's thought. Popkin reconstructs Spinoza the m
an, and his theories, contrasting these findings with some of the popularity hel
d misconceptions.
Locating him within the context of his family and backgroun
d, the author assesses the impact on Spinoza of everything from his infamous exc
ommunication, to his affection for Euclidian geometry and the work of Descartes.
With a full account of Spinoza's groundbreaking Tractatus and Ethics, and an ov
erview of his influence on both of his contemporaries and those who were to folo
w, this concise survey offers a variety of new perspectives, and will be warmly
welcomed by students, scholars and interested readers alike.
