Books by Anthony Gottlieb

“Anthony Gottlieb is a skilled writer. This new book is very clear and lively and interesting. At times Gottlieb moves quickly—very quickly—through Wittgenstein’s life. For instance: Wittgenstein was captured during the First World War. He was a prisoner of war and wrote some of the Tractatus in captivity. But there’s almost nothing about that in his book. But I’d recommend it. It’s a palatable way of understanding a very interesting and tortured soul in his context.” Read more...

The Best Philosophy Books of 2025

Nigel Warburton, Philosopher

“I don’t know of a better survey of this period. What Gottlieb manages to do is to bring in just enough about the lives and background history to stimulate your understanding of the philosophy, and just enough of the philosophy not to get too technical or obscure. Again, it’s a book that required a very light touch to pull off in such a successful way…Anthony Gottlieb is a former executive editor of the Economist, and, not surprisingly, another very good writer. Writing in philosophy is very, very important because it can be difficult to read about philosophical ideas. Everything the writer does to help the reader is extremely valuable.” Read more...

Best Philosophy Books of 2016

Nigel Warburton, Philosopher