Readers of this decorative and informative book will find a treasure-trove of valuable information about many of the greatest thinkers ever to have shaped the Western world. Beginning with the water as first principle of Thales of Miletus and ending with Robert Nozick's novel approach to social contract theory, Portraits in Philosophy examines 50 of the most influential Western philosophers of the past two millenniums. Whether the reader is a seasoned student of philosophy or a person interested in learning how the Western world's present ideology has been shaped, this book has something for everyone. Presented in an easy-to-read and colorful style, this book offers not only the key biographical and philosophical points of each of these thinkers, but also their most important works and famous quotes, all with interesting and beautiful representative artwork. The quotes included for each philosopher will specifically interest the reader. The goal is that the reader will come away with the conclusion that most of these quotes have the same meaning today. In fact, the reader may exclaim "He said that back then?" when referring to a quote that the reader has been saying all of his life without knowing where it came from. For me, it was the quote "To each his own" from Cicero, who lived between 106 BC and 43 BC. The reader may prefer to read Portraits in Philosophy from cover to cover. However, since this book is more of an encyclopedia of influential thinkers, finding the reader's favorite philosophers or leafing through the book to find an image or quote of interest will be enjoyed just as well. Either way, this is the kind of book that you won't be able to put down. Portraits in Philosophy will make a wonderful addition to your library as well as the perfect gift for anyone interested in philosophy.