Heretics!: The Wondrous (and Dangerous) Beginnings of Modern Philosophy

Thoughts and ideas that are out of the ordinary, those that conflict with established dogma, are frequently considered heretical, and such non-conformists are often shunned, or in earlier times occasionally burned at the stake. Philosophy professor Steven Nadler and illustrator Ben Nadler have together produced a fantastic graphic historical recording of the evolution and emergence of philosophic thought during the 17th century. Skillfully sketched and painted in antique colors, the graphic scenes themselves depict the background intrigues that enrich the commentaries. With whimsical wit and comic slants, the history of philosophers trying to make sense of this world opens with the burning of Giordano Bruno in 1600, in the holy city of Rome. Follow through with the dissident Galileo Galilei, who survived but lost his freedom. Some of the luminaries scrutinized include familiar names such as Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Bacon, Locke, Newton, Pascal, Voltaire, Newton, and the contents even embrace two women within this band of pensive pioneers seeking to unravel the mystery of knowledge and life. This comical and lighthearted approach to the tangled and complex unfolding of philosophic thought has vitalized the formidable density of the original readings. Fortunately, this is a 21st century publication; its appearance a few hundred years prior would have found the author and illustrator pilloried by the inquisitor.