Philosophical Letters, Abridged

Margaret Cavendish (16231673) is a fascinating figure who is getting increasing attention by historians of philosophy these days, and for good reason. . . . Shes an interesting advocate of a vitalist tradition emphasizing the inherent activity of matter, as well as its inherent perceptive faculties. Shes also the perfect character to open students (and their teachers) up to a different seventeenth century, and a different cast of philosophical characters. This is an ideal book to use in the classroom. The Philosophical Letters (1664) gives us Cavendishs view of what was interesting and important in the philosophical world at that moment, a view of philosophy as it was at the time by an engaged participant. There are few documents like it in the history of philosophy. Deborah Boyles Introduction provides a very accessible summary of Cavendishs natural philosophy, as well as good introductions to the other figures that Cavendish discusses in the book. Boyles annotations are not extensive, but they are a great help in guiding the student toward an informed reading of the texts.
Daniel Garber, Princeton University See more