Classical Philosophy is a comprehensive examination of early philosophy from the presocratics through to Aristotle. The aim of the book is to provide an explanation and analysis of the ideas that flourished at this time and considers their relevance both to the historical development of philosophy and to contemporary philosophy today. From these ideas we can see the roots of arguments in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and political philosophy. The book is arranged in four parts by thinker and The Presocratics Socrates Plato Aristotle Christopher Shields' style is inviting, refreshing and ideal for anyone coming to the subject for the first time. He provides a balanced account of the central topics and ideas that emerged from the period and includes helpful further reading and chapter overviews.
Any one who is reading this book will see that it is by the same author as The Blackwell Guide to Ancient Philosophy. And if you read the two books together you will get the biggest benefit from both. The Blackwell guide talks about the personal lives of the Ancient Philosophers and what led them to their theories while this book explains these theories a bit more. Both of these together give you a comprehensive yet short look at the Ancient Philosophers and their theories.