Gatsby, famous for his prodigious wealth, glittering parties and murky background, harbors a poignant dream. As his dream is realized, the sordid underbelly of a society devoid of morality is realized as well.
Bertrand Russell's A History of Western Philosophy serves as the perfect introduction to its subject; it remains unchallenged as the greatest account of the history of Western thought. Charting philosophy's course from the pre-Socratics up to the early twentieth century, Russell relates each philosopher and school to their respective historical and cultural contexts, providing erudite commentary throughout his...