This text includes a translation of the "Ethics" with a guide to the understanding of Spinoza's work. An introduction includes: a short biography of Spinoza; the form of his writing; an introductory guide through the philosophy of "Ethics"; and a summary of the contents of "Ethics".

One of the classical texts of philosophy, Spinoza's Ethics is also one of the most difficult to understand. It discusses the nature of human beings, the way in which a rational person might live, the nature of God, and true freedom and how it can be attained. This volume features a new, lucid translation of Ethics enhanced by a comprehensive guide to Spinoza's work. An extensive introduction includes a short biography of Spinoza; help in understanding the form of Spinoza's writing and his own particular use of definitions; an introduction to the philosophy of Ethics; and a summary of Ethics. Further aids include a glossary of terms, notes to the text, and notes to the translation.

'Thanks to sound methodology and fidelity to the orignal text, this will be an invaluable asset to the scholar.' Bulletin Spinoziste