An Introduction to Early Greek Philosophy

John Mansley Robinson (1921-2015) was a scholar and teacher at first the University of Maryland and then Windham College. His textbook on early Greek philosophy has been considered the classic on the subject, a fine introduction for students and a very useful survey for academics.

The selection of primary source materials for the whole sequence from Ionians to Sophists is adequate to generous. . . . Robinson's translations of the fragments are, on the whole, precise and sensitive . . . His introductory and connecting comments are lucid, well-informed, and discreet.

Alexander Mourelatos, J. History of Philosophy

. . . this book is so far superior to its rivals that it is hard to imagine how a teacher who uses it once can prefer any other existing text. The style and organization of the book are clear and attractive, the scholarship is sound and up to date, the exposition of philosophic ideas is precise and coherent . . . Charles H. Kahn, J. of Philosophy

The Advanced Reasoning Forum is pleased to make available this exact reproduction of the 1968 text in its Classic Reprints series.