A Brief History of Thought: A Philosophical Guide to Living
Philosophical Guide Living: A Brief History of Thought is a 288-page introduction to philosophy that traces ideas from ancient Greece through Christianity, the Enlightenment, existentialism and postmodernism. Its accessible historical approach is aimed at readers looking for context as well as an entry point to the subject.
At a glance
- Surveys major philosophical traditions across historical periods.
- The listing describes the book as accessible and relevant to questions about living well and finding meaning.
- Compact format with 288 pages.
Reference price: $24.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Historical structure can help readers place philosophical ideas in context.
- Customer feedback praises its readability and introductory usefulness.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Canongate PBS |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 4 February 2019 |
| Edition | Main |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 288 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1847672876 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1847672872 |
| Dimensions | 13 x 1.9 x 19.8 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 210 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking an accessible starting point for philosophy.
- Readers interested in how philosophical ideas developed across history.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a narrowly focused study of one philosopher or school.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
57% 57% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback is positive about the book as an introduction, its historical framing, readability and writing style. Reactions to its thought-provoking content are mixed. For readers seeking a broad, accessible overview, those reported strengths may be useful, while the mixed response suggests the treatment may not engage every reader equally.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the book's readability and writing style.
- Feedback describes it as a useful first introduction and appreciates its historical context.
Mixed feedback
- Customer feedback reports mixed reactions to the thought-provoking content.
Frequently asked questions
What does the book cover?
The listing describes a journey from ancient Greek philosophy through Christianity, the Enlightenment, existentialism and postmodernism.
Is this positioned as an introduction to philosophy?
Yes. The description presents it as an accessible guide, and customer feedback also identifies it as a useful first introduction.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 288 pages.
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