The Shorter Leibniz Texts: A Collection of New Translations

Description

This volume contains more than 60 original translations of papers written by the German philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716). As well as contributing to Leibniz scholarship, it is intended to function as an introductory text for students

Lloyd Strickland is Reader in Philosophy at Manchester Metropolitan University. His publications include Leibniz Reinterpreted (2006), Shorter Leibniz Texts (2006), Leibniz and the Two Sophies (2011) and Leibniz's Monadology (2014), and he has published numerous articles in journals such as British Journal for the History of Philosopy, Religious Studies, Annals of Science and Archiv fur geschichte der philosophie. He also runs a highly successful website devoted to Leibniz: www.leibniz-translations.com

"A volume of Leibniz translations by Lloyd Strickland, The Shorter Leibniz Texts was very welcome. Strickland can render Leibniz clearly in a prose which enables, rather than steadies, the dizzying effects of Leibniz's different concepts as they encompass infinity. Many of the pieces - On The Death Penalty, On The Happy Life, to choose two - have not appeared in English before. Check out Strickland's peerless website for many other short translations published online." www.readysteadybook.com "The introduction is a clear, informative guide to the organization of the Leibniz short texts that follow. The rest of the book consists of those texts, a translated collection of letters, and notes spanning Leibniz's life. They are particularly useful because this important thinker did not provide a book that covers his vast interests or a systematic philosophical position. The Shorter Leibniz Texts provides a most valuable contribution for Leibniz scholars." Summing Up: Highly Recommended. -- CHOICE 'Strickland's excellent collection not only provides a highly accessible entry point to students approaching Leibniz for the first time, but also constitutes a significant contribution to Leibniz scholarship; the selections are fresh and interesting, and succeed in revealing the breadth and depth of Leibniz's philosophy.' Vernon Pratt, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Lancaster University * Blurb from reviewer * 'Since no one or two of Leibniz's works capture the breadth of his thought, Strickland's anthology is a happy solution and fills a neglected niche in hitherto published anthologies.' Daniel J. Cook, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Brooklyn College, CUNY * Blurb from reviewer * This book first presents a 55-page introduction by Strickland (Lancaster Univ., UK), a recognized scholar on Leibniz. The introduction is a clear, informative guide to the organization of the Leibniz short texts that follow. The rest of the book consists of those texts, a translated collection of letters, and notes spanning Leibniz's life. They are particularly useful because this important thinker did not provide a book that covers his vast interests or a systematic philosophical position. The closest articulation of that position is New Essays on Human Understanding, written in 1704 but not published until 1765. Strickland organizes the book's topics as follows: "Metaphysics," "Mind, Body and Soul," "Free Will and Necessity," "Science," "Law and Ethics," and "Theology." Strickland posts English translations of works by Leibniz (including some previously untranslated ones) on his Web site Leibniz Translations.com (http://www.leibniz-translations.com/). The Shorter Leibniz Texts provides a most valuable contribution for Leibniz scholars. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. * Choice *