Written by an esteemed scholar and the editor of the History of Western Philosophy (Columbia, 1999), this is the latest addition to Oneworld's popular Philosophers series. Readable, yet based on solid scholarly knowledge and historical insight, Popkin's concise and coherent introduction outlines not only the works of the 17th-century Jewish philosopher, but also his context and his lasting influence. Explaining the key themes of Spinoza's greatest work, Ethics, Popkin elaborates on his theories on religion and his political thought, as well as his theories of mind, emotion and freedom, currently very popular with general readers of science and philosophy.