The History of Western Philosophy The Best 5 Books to Read

Reading a book on the history of Western philosophy in its entirety might seem foreboding – but imagine writing one! Thankfully, a number of authors have stepped up to the Herculean task, providing us with a complete overview of how Western philosophy has unfolded over the last two and a half thousand years.

The following reading list contains the best of such books. With each, you'll be taken on an illuminating journey from the pre-Socratic philosophers of Ancient Greece, through medieval times and the ideas of the Enlightenment, right up to the analytic and continental philosophy of today. Fasten your seat belts!

1. The History of Western Philosophy, by Bertrand Russell

The History of Western Philosophy

BY BERTRAND RUSSELL

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Where better to start on the history of Western philosophy than with the perspective of one of the subject's greats? Bertrand Russell was a towering figure in 20th-century thought.

Originally published in 1945, The History of Western Philosophy is Russell's brilliant, if slightly biased, look back at all prominent thinkers that came before him. It's a very accessible and enjoyable read.

2. A New History of Western Philosophy, by Anthony Kenny

A New History of Western Philosophy

BY ANTHONY KENNY

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Anthony Kenny, a highly thought of philosopher in his own right, is the first person since Russell to attempt a complete, single-authored history of Western philosophy. A New History of Western Philosophy, first published in 2007, is epic in scope and lauded as one of the strongest and best-researched introductions to the subject.

Kenny combines rich biographical context with academic rigour to create a wonderfully lucid account of philosophy's development, making A New History of Western Philosophy an essential book to have on the shelf for anyone interested in philosophy.

3. A Brief History of Western Philosophy, by Anthony Kenny

A Brief History of Western Philosophy

BY ANTHONY KENNY

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It's that man Kenny again! Slightly less epic than his New History, Anthony Kenny's A Brief History of Western Philosophy, published in 1996, is no less enlightening.

If you're looking for a more manageable read on Western philosophy's history that still covers all the bases in thoughtful fashion, this is the book for you.

4. The Columbia History of Western Philosophy, by Richard Popkin

The Columbia History of Western Philosophy

BY RICHARD POPKIN

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You might think assembling 63 separate scholars to contribute toward a complete history of Western philosophy would lead to a mess of conflicting styles, interpretations, and opinions. Not so: enter Richard Popkin.

In The Columbia History of Western Philosophy, published in 2006, Popkin weaves the contributions together with impressive editorial skill, providing a single compelling narrative. The end result is another essential for the bookshelf.

5. The Great Philosophers: An Introduction to Western Philosophy, by Bryan Magee

The Great Philosophers: An Introduction to Western Philosophy

BY BRYAN MAGEE

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A little lighter than other entries on this list, Bryan Magee's The Great Philosophers: An Introduction to Western Philosophy, published in 1987, is a must for two reasons.

Firstly, it offers an exciting account of Western philosophy's greatest thinkers.

Secondly, it does so through interviews with some of the most important philosophers of the late 20th century, granting insight into their thoughts, ideas, and personalities too.

This approach leads to a thoroughly engaging overview for anyone interested in Western philosophy.

Further reading

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In the meantime, why not explore more of our reading lists on the best philosophy books:

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