The Collected Works of Spinoza, Volume I [Hardcover]

Benedictus de Spinoza (Author), Edwin M. Curley (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Prior to this work there has been no uniform English edition of Spinoza's complete opera including his letters. Curley's objectives were: good translations based on the standard critical edition of the original texts (Gebhardt's four-volume edition of 1925); comprehensiveness; uniformity; chronological arrangement (this volume contains the Ethics and the four early works which preceded it); and ``a good deal more in the way of scholarly aid'' than is usual in a translation. This latter consists of prefaces to each work, voluminous notes, and three versions of a glossary-index of key terms with their equivalents (English, Latin, and Dutch). Curley succeeds on all counts in this invaluable aid to an understanding of an important, but difficult, rationalist philosopher. Volume 2 will complete the collection. Leon H. Brody, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Lib., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English, Latin (translation)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 752 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (September 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691072221
• ISBN-13: 978-0691072227
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #586,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Response to "Amazing book; Terrible Translation", June 12, 2005

By 

Jason Waller (Purdue University) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Collected Works of Spinoza, Volume I (Hardcover)

I believe that the previous commentator was confused. First, "ideatum" cannot be a dative noun because there is no "--um" dative ending. An "-um" ending indicates a nominative, accusative, or third declension plural genitive. Second, I do not know what word the commentator is thinking about. "Ideatum" is a technical Latin term, which refers to the object of an idea. So, if for example I have an idea of a cow then the cow is the "ideatum." Curley translates this word as "object" most of the time and explains why in his extensive notes. The term is difficult to translate into English, but Curley does a fantastic job. I would ask the previous commentator what translation he would prefer because both Shirley and Ewles use the same translation of "ideatum." Third, I am unclear what the previous commentator was talking about when arguing that Spinoza "presents a devastating criticism to the rationalist project at every juncture." Spinoza is often considered a rationalist philosopher because he accepts many of the assumptions of the other rationalists. For example, Spinoza clearly accepts what Bennett calls "explanatory rationalism," which is the thesis that every event (and thing) has an explanation (and cause). I would direct the commentator to the first few chapters of Bennett's book. I agree with the previous commentator that Spinoza should not be read simply as a Cartesian (it seems likely to me that he has significant medieval influences), but Spinoza was clearly deeply influenced by Descartes. Descartes is the only philosopher mentioned by name (twice) in the Ethics (although Spinoza does vaguely point to "the Hebrew" philosophers in his mysterious Scholium at 2p7). Nevertheless, I have serious worries about the previous commentator's statements and would not take them too seriously when considering whether or not to buy this fantastic book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best translation for all who study Spinoza, February 3, 2000

By 

Han Donghui (China) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Collected Works of Spinoza, Volume I (Hardcover)

This book is the best translation for the research of Spinoza. It provides nearly all what you want. The translation is faithfully based on the Latin version and the terms are delt with very carfully. But the pity is that I have expected the volume II from 1985, but it had not publish untill now. I hope Curley works on his translation, and see the volume II as soon as possible

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Standard, March 23, 2000

By 

"poverty" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Collected Works of Spinoza, Volume I (Hardcover)

I have read a number of translations of the "Ethics", and this is the best by far. It is lucid, clear, and sensitive to the meaning of its Latin-Dutch terms. Curley is an outstanding Spinoza scholar, and he brings his expertise to the fore, not only in his readable English, but also in the helpful footnotes with which he punctuates Spinoza's text.The price is steep, but well worth it for what is the standard for Spinoza scholarship. The text includes not only the "Ethics," but also his earlier works and letters. If you hesitate at the price, and all you want is the "Ethics," then get the considerably less expensive Curley translation of that work. I wait for the release (will it ever?) of the second volume of Curley's work on Spinoza's texts, especially his translation of and commentary on the Theological-Political Treatise.