The Philosopher

"Justin Smith's graceful and lucidly argued history of philosophy asks us to rethink our assumptions about both history and philosophy. More than a survey, full of surprising selections and juxtapositions, Smith's work holds delights for any curious reader and raises important challenges to the dominant categories of philosophy and philosophers in the contemporary university. A much-needed book, both inside and outside the academy."--Marco Roth, editor and cofounder of n+1magazine"Justin Smith's The Philosopher is erudite, incisive, beautifully written, and often hilarious--a wild and exhilarating examination of the ambitions of philosophers to understand life from more perspectives than even Nietzsche would have dared. Smith is as comfortable and clever discussing Leibniz on Chinese theology as he is Laurence Sterne, T. S. Eliot, or J. M. Coetzee. If you like philosophy, you will be delighted with this book."--Clancy Martin, author of Love and Lies"Sophisticated and provocative, The Philosopher is an outstanding exploration of possible ways to redefine philosophy today by examining its multifaceted pasts. One of the book's most exciting aspects is the way it revises the Eurocentric view of philosophy by using a very original global framework."--Stéphane van Damme, European University Institute, Florence"The Philosopher is a terrific, much-needed, and important book that should be read by all philosophers. Smith's thoughtfulness is as illuminating as his erudition is astonishing."--Aaron Garrett, Boston University