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Thomist Realism and the Critique of Knowledge

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Etienne Gilson brilliantly plumbs the depths of Thomistic Realism, and false Thomisms as well, in this answer to Kantian modernism. The volume, exquisitely translated, is 'must reading' for any student entering the modern university. This book brings the essential elements of philosophy into view as a cohesive, readily understandable, and erudite structure, and does so rigorously in the best tradition of St. Thomas. If you must read only one book on philosophy or if you want to make philosophy you life's work, read this book first.

This book is an indispensable prelude to understanding Gilson's masterwork, "Being and Some Philosophers." Translated perfectly by Mark A. Wauck, Gilson's incisive critique of the "Neo-Thomists" of the early 20th century, and by extension of the earlier Cartesian and Kantian tradition, should engage any reader seeking to understand St. Thomas's thought, philosophical and theological. Expensive for its size, it is worth every penny.