Originally published in German in 1863--6, "The History of Philosophy from Thales to the Present Time, by Friedrich Ueberweg (1826--71), was the first major encyclopedic reference work for the historiography of philosophy and went on to become the standard textbook for students of this subject.

The edition reprinted here, originally published in 1872--4, is translated by G. S. Morris from the fourth German edition. The translation was approved by Ueberweg and written with the aid of the author himself. Before his death in 1871 he declared that he was 'delighted with its excellency'. The translation is further enhanced by the author's special notes, modifications and additions. The subject areas covered in Volume 1 range from the Philosophy of the Greeks (broken down into three periods: Pre-Sophistic Philosophy, From the Sophists to the Stoics, Epicureans and Skeptics, and The Neo-Platonists and Their Predecessors), to the Philosophy of the Christian Era. Volume 2 covers Modern Philosophy and contains a thorough examination of German philosophers such as Kant, Schelling, Fichte and Hegel. In addition, the work contains an Appendix on English and American philosophical thought by the translator of this work and a historical account of Italian philosophy by Vincenzo Botta.

As one of the best introductions to the study of ancient and modern philosophy, Ueberweg's "History makes essential reading for all scholars of the subject. The various philosophical systems are presented in a clear, concise and impartial manner. The views of leading thinkers in Ancient and Modern Philosophy are contained here and complemented by detailed biographical sketches. The clearness and precision ofthese sketches make an excellent tool for any serious study of the history of philosophy.

--this rare edition is the only English translation of Ueberweg's great work currently available

--'The compendious "History of Philosophy, /i is remarkable for fullness of information, conciseness, accuracy and impartiality' -- Encyclopedia Britannica

"--indexed by name and subject

"-the first major encyclopedic reference work for the history of philosophy