The Book of Dead Philosophers by Simon Critchley
The Book of Dead Philosophers chronicles the deaths of almost 200 philosophers-tales of weirdness, madness, suicide, murder, pathos and bad luck.
Diogenes died by holding his breath.
Plato allegedly died of a lice infestation.
Diderot choked to death on an apricot.
Nietzsche made a long, soft-brained and dribbling descent into oblivion after kissing a horse in Turin.
From the self-mocking haikus of Zen masters on their deathbeds to the last words (gasps) of modern-day sages, The Book of Dead Philosophers chronicles the deaths of almost 200 philosophers-tales of weirdness, madness, suicide, murder, pathos and bad luck.
In this elegant and amusing book, Simon Critchley argues that the question of what constitutes a 'good death' has been the central preoccupation of philosophy since ancient times. As he brilliantly demonstrates, looking at what the great thinkers have said about death inspires a life-affirming enquiry into the meaning and possibility of human happiness.
In learning how to die, we learn how to live.
Format: Paperback | 336 pages
Dimensions (cm): 19.8 x 13.5 x 2.3 | 358g
Publication Date: 01 Jun 2008
Publisher: Melbourne University Publishing Ltd.
Imprint: Melbourne University Press
Publication City/Country: Carlton, MELB, Australia
Language: English
Edition Statement: Aus ed.
ISBN10: 0522855148
ISBN13: 9780522855142
Condition: Good
A book that has been read but is in good condition. Very minimal damage to the cover including minor scuff marks along the edges, but no holes or tears. The majority of pages are undamaged with very minimal creasing, but no tearing. No pencil underlining of text, no highlighting of text and no writing in margins. There is obvious discolouring on the first page, and a single small, faint botch of discolouring on the second page. No other discolouring in the book. No missing pages.