1
A Classic Intro to Philosophy
Penguin Classics 'The Last Days of Socrates' by Plato
1
A Classic Intro to Philosophy
Penguin Classics 'The Last Days of Socrates' by Plato
Now 38% Off
If you’re looking to read some books about philosophers, it’s hard to find a title more classic than this one. In a series of four dialogues, Plato recounts the trial, final days, and death of his philosophical mentor, Socrates. While historians continue to debate just how reliable a source Plato is on the life and beliefs of his famous teacher, these dialogues are nevertheless a classic introduction to classical philosophy.
2
An Informative, Quick Read
Oxford University Press, USA 'Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction' by Jonathan Barnes
2
An Informative, Quick Read
Oxford University Press, USA 'Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction' by Jonathan Barnes
Oxford’s Very Short Introduction series offers exactly what it says on the tin for a huge variety of topics. Its volumes dedicated to various philosophers are a great way to cover the basics of philosophy in a short period of time. This short and sweet commentary on Aristotle and his ideas is the perfect place to start.
3
Beginner Friendly
DK 'The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained'
3
Beginner Friendly
DK 'The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained'
Now 40% Off
This book uses vibrant graphics and clear, accessible text to introduce history’s most impactful philosophers to even the most intimidated readers. In addition to key quotes from more than 100 of the great thinkers of philosophy — including Siddhartha Gautama, Niccolo Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes — the book features graphs and cartoons to help explain complex concepts.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Women In Philosophy
Unbound 'The Philosopher Queens' by Rebecca Buxton
4
Women In Philosophy
Unbound 'The Philosopher Queens' by Rebecca Buxton
Now 25% Off
As far as historical biographies go, books about philosophers are already in something of a niche category. But books about female philosophers throughout history are even more scant. This book, written by a duo of modern-day philosophers, aims to finally bring the women of philosophy to center stage. It shares the stories of 20 influential female thinkers, from Hypatia to Angela Davis.
5
New Release
Grove Press 'How to Think Like a Woman' by Regan Penaluna
5
New Release
Grove Press 'How to Think Like a Woman' by Regan Penaluna
Now 46% Off
Regan Penaluna blends memoir, biography, and criticism to tell the stories of four women philosophers, including groundbreaking feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. Penaluna uses her own struggles against sexism in academia in concert with the lives of the women who’ve inspired her to muse on how philosophy might have evolved if women had been given more airtime.
6
Best Coffee Table Book
DK 'Philosophers: Their Lives and Works'
6
Best Coffee Table Book
DK 'Philosophers: Their Lives and Works'
Now 50% Off
If you’re looking for less of an academic deep-dive and more of a lovely overview of the world’s most impactful philosophers, this entry in the DK History Changers series should suit you perfectly. Introduced with a stunning portrait of each featured philosopher, the 100 biographies in the book trace the lives and ideas of Noam Chomsky, Confucius, Karl Marx, and more.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Award-Winning Author
Back Bay Books 'Love and Capital: Karl and Jenny Marx and the Birth of a Revolution' by Mary Gabriel
7
Award-Winning Author
Back Bay Books 'Love and Capital: Karl and Jenny Marx and the Birth of a Revolution' by Mary Gabriel
Now 40% Off
Pulitzer Prize finalist Mary Gabriel uses extensive research and masterful storytelling to present a rarely-seen facet of philosopher and revolutionary socialist Karl Marx. The epic narrative spans decades to show how Marx’s marriage and family life suffered and persevered through the years he spent crafting his defining masterpiece. The remarkably in-depth account of the Marx family is both informative and poignant.
8
Best Biography
University of Chicago Press 'Henry David Thoreau: A Life' by Henry David
8
Best Biography
University of Chicago Press 'Henry David Thoreau: A Life' by Henry David
Many books have taken up various aspects of Henry David Thoreau’s character and achievements, but, as Laura Dassow Walls writes, “Thoreau has never been captured between covers; he was too quixotic, mischievous, many-sided.” Walls presents a complete portrait of the famous transcendentalist, drawing on previously unpublished writings to better explore his philosophy, values, and life.
9
Self-Help
St. Martin's Essentials 'How to Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment' by Skye C. Cleary
9
Self-Help
St. Martin's Essentials 'How to Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment' by Skye C. Cleary
This lively, engaging book sits at the intersection of biography, self-help, and philosophy. Philosopher and writer Skye C. Cleary uses the life and teachings of Simone de Beauvoir to instruct readers on how to live more purposeful, authentic lives in the age of social media and self-exposure. Clear, accessible, and engaging but still deeply thought-provoking, Cleary’s writing proves that de Beauvoir’s philosophy is more relevant today than ever.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Best Overview
Oxford University Press 'Lives of the Eminent Philosophers: Diogenes Laertius' By Pamela Mensch
10
Best Overview
Oxford University Press 'Lives of the Eminent Philosophers: Diogenes Laertius' By Pamela Mensch
Looking for philosophy 101? First compiled in the third century AD, this anthology from Diogenes Laertius covers Ancient Greek philosophers from Pythagoras and Socrates to Aristotle and Epicurus. This English translation by Pamela Mensch offers a lively, accessible text with ample footnotes and annotations to contextualize content for the reader.
Rachel is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist and host of the hit podcast The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week. Her first book, "Been There, Done That: A Rousing History of Sex" came out in May 2022. She loves reading about weird history, sharing weird science facts and writing weird ghost stories.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o7XOoKmaqJiue6S7zGifoqukpL%2B6ecKuo62topp8qICUbW9ucGNufKOx0q1km6efoMBurcGorK1loJ22rbvSqKehnaKo