One Hundred Twentieth-Century Philosophers

One Hundred Twentieth-Century Philosophers offers biographical information and critical analysis of the life, work and impact of some of the most significant figures in philosophy this century.
Taken from the acclaimed Biographical Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Philosophers, the 100 entries are alphabetically organised, from Adorno to Zhang Binglin, and cover individuals from both continental and analytic philosophy.
The entries have an identical four-part structure making it easy to compare and contrast information, comprising:

* biographical details
* a bibliography of major works
* a listing of relevant secondary and critical literature
* an appraisal of the philosopher’s thoughts and achievements.
A separate glossary provides an introduction to the origins, development and main features of major philosophical schools and movements and offers select bibliographies to guide the reader to further research.

Review

From Adorno to Zhang Binglin and absolute idealism to vitalism, One Hundred Twentieth-Century Philosophers presents the major individuals and schools of thought with depth and clarity. For each philosopher in the alphabetically arranged compilation, the authors provide bibliographic statistics (years lived, where born, and philosophical influences, where educated, appointments and positions, honors, and main publications). This thumbnail sketch is then followed by a lucid summary and astute analysis of the philosopher’s development, career, and contributions. An excellent, scholarly reference for any student of philosophy, its text is also conducive to browsing. Flipping through the I‘s reveals that Roman Ingarden (1893-1970, Cracow, Poland) asked interesting phenomenological questions on the interaction between idealism-realism and works of art, while Luce Irigaray (b. 1930, Blaton, Belgium), feminist philosopher and psychoanalyst, has caused controversy with her focus on seexual bias in language, civil rights, and philosophy. Adhering to rigorous academic and prose standards, this encyclopedia of 20th-century philosophers is a worthy supplement to one’s reference library.

–Stephanie Gold

From Library Journal

This volume culls 100 entries from a major reference work, the Biographical Dictionary of Twentieth-Century Philosophers (LJ 9/1/96), and presents them alphabetically in paperback format. Those selected range from Theodor Adorno to Zhang Binglin. Selection criteria are not given, though individuals appear to have been chosen because of their influence on 20th-century thought. A quick comparison of the bibliographies in the two books suggests that no new works have been added. For libraries that either cannot afford the Biographical Dictionary, priced at $150, or feel that its coverage is more extensive than required, this modestly priced paperback will serve well.

– ATerry C. Skeats, Bishop’s Univ. Lib., Lennoxville, Quebec