One of the most influential and least understood philosophers of the modern world is Baruch Spinoza (1632-77). This complete biography is more than just a life story, however, and involves a thorough analysis of his ideas and their impact. Based on detailed archival research, it recreates the world of 17th-century Jewish Amsterdam into which Spinoza was born, the son of a Portuguese merchant. In exploring his expulsion from that community for heretical views, Nadler sets up the context for the intellectual quests which were to dominate Spinoza's life: the pursuit of religious toleration, moral well-being and personal freedom. (Kirkus UK)