F. W. J. Schelling has remained unknown to most contemporary scholars, yet his thought is of great import to early 19th century philosophy and the study of German Idealism. For the first time, Michael G. Vater makes Schelling's dialogue Bruno readily accessible to the English-language reader while providing valuable commentary on the work itself, which details Schelling's account of his differences from Fichte.

In an extensive introduction, Vater discusses the background and significance of Schelling's identity-philosophy and its impact on the development of Hegel's thought from 1802 to the publication of Hegel's Phenomenology. Comprehensive notes point out Schelling's use of classic sources, his dependence on Spinoza, and the similarities in Schelling's and Hegel's points of view during their collaboration on the Critical Journal.

Through the value of its own arguments and its influence on Hegel, Schelling's Bruno provides key material for the evolution on 19th century philosophy. In Schelling's system, Hegel found the construction of a harmonious whole in which his own basic conflicts and those of his generation found their solution. Hegel's Difference and Schelling's Bruno announce a new programme and outline its foundations: Philosophy must become metaphysical again and unify a world torn by the conflicting and one-sided ideologies of materialism and spiritualism.