Evaluates the main features of Schopenhauer’s thought, its historical importance, and its relation to modern philosophical preoccupations.

“This is a book of great merit, and of absorbing interest . . . it is hard to see how Mr. Gardiner’s exposition – clear, elegant, acute in criticism, unfailing in sympathy – could be improved upon.” – Times Educational Supplement

“Nobody until Mr. Gardiner has written such a lengthy and complete exposition of his views. . . . Anyone who wishes to comment usefully upon Schopenhauer at all will in future be in debt to Mr Gardiner’s excellent introduction.” – Alasdair MacIntyre, The Guardian

“There are very few good books in English on Schopenhauer. This one by Patrick Gardiner . . . is almost the only exception.” – D. W. Hamlyn, Birkbeck College, London