Summary

This monumental work features the most important German philosophers, jurists, pedagogues, literary critics, doctors, historians, and others whose work has philosophical significance who lived and wrote in the eighteenth century, covering the period between 1701 and 1801. The Dictionary includes work by philosophers whose mother tongue was German, were published in German or who lived in Germany for an extended period of time. Since historic borders are different from today's, the Dictionary includes authors born or who lived in places such as Strasbourg, Danzig, Koenisberg, or Austria. Swiss philosophers are also covered. These philosophers published in German, Latin, French, and Hebrew. Since German philosophy cannot be understood without the influence of French and English philosophers, the work also includes translators and editors.

Each entry aims to give the reader insight into the philosophers' life and contribution to the world of thought. Bibliographical references will help with further research. The entries include a biographical sketch, analysis of doctrines with emphasis on historical context, subsequent influences, and bibliography of further works and secondary literature.

Choice Review

The editors of this biographical dictionary cast a wide net. Their definition of "philosopher" is broad, including both academic and nonacademic writers. They have included persons of Germanic background and others who lived in Germany for extensive periods of time. Thus readers will find an entry for Voltaire, along with ones for Immanuel Kant and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Some figures, like Christian Thomasius, are less famous but well known to students of the history of philosophy. Others, like Johann Peter Friedrich Ancillon, are little known today. This three-volume set gives some attention to theology where appropriate, although the Catholic enlightenment has only representative coverage. The set includes an introduction and roster and a section titled "How to Use the Dictionary." Contributors represent many institutions on two continents. The individual entries, arranged alphabetically by name of philosopher, are clear and concise. They also contain cross-references to other figures covered in the dictionary. Each entry has its own bibliography, including editions of primary texts and "further reading" suggestions. The third volume's alphabetical index provides further linkage between articles. The best known of these philosophers are covered in standard reference sources, but the concise coverage of the lesser figures, who can be harder to locate, is a strength. Summing Up: Recommended. Research collections supporting upper-level undergraduates and above. T. M. Izbicki Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey