The Ethics is one of the undisputed masterworks of early modern philosophy. In this single volume Spinoza offers the reader an unorthodox account of God, a novel version of the mind-body relation, a systematic theory of the emotions and a detailed prescription for human virtue and blessedness. Too controversial to be published during his lifetime, it was surreptitiously printed by Spinoza's friends after his death. This introduction to the text is the ideal companion to study, offering guidance on:

Philosophical and historical context

Key themes

Reading the text

Reception and influence

Further reading

Content - Acknowledgements, Preface, 1. Spinoza and the Ethics: background and context, 2. Main themes and influences, 3. Reading the text, 4. The influence of the Ethics, Notes for further reading, Index