Gottfried Leibniz was a remarkable thinker who made fundamental contributions not only to philosophy, but also to the development of modern mathematics and science. At the centre of Leibniz's philosophy stands his metaphysics, an ambitious attempt to discover the nature of reality through the use of unaided reason. This volume provides a systematic and comprehensive account of the full range of Leibniz's thought, exploring the metaphysics in detail and showing its subtle and complex relationship to his views on logic, language, physics, and theology. Other chapters examine the intellectual context of his thought and its reception in the eighteenth century.New readers and nonspecialists will find this the most accessible and comprehensive guide to Leibniz currently available. Advanced students and specialists will find a conspectus of recent developments in the interpretation of Leibniz.

"...[this book] will prove to be a valuable compendium for the student of Leibniz who wishes to refresh her recollection of central themes in Leibniz or to acquaint herself with new developments in Leibniz scholarship." Auslegung

"This is a book Leibniz buffs can curl up with and one in which novices can find their bearings." Cabadian Philosophical Reviews

"Students of seventeenth-century history of science must get this book for their libraries. It is the single best conspectus of recent developments in the interpretation of Leibniz available." George Gale, Isis Book Reviews

"I have been able to write about only a little of the wealth that this volume offers us. It should be one of the first books to which philosophers and students turn for help in understanding Leibniz." The Philosophical Review

"As with the previous volumes in the Cambridge "Companion" series, this one conforms to the highest standards of research and scholarships....the essays are accessible to anyone with an interest in discovering the richness of Leibniz's philosophy. This collection provides valuable insights for the person newly acquainted with Leibniz, controversial new interpretations for those who are already familiar with the canon." Choice