A milestone in American philosophy, Balz’s treatment of Hobbes and Spinoza has joined his other works as essential reading on the philosophers. Balz suggests that Hobbes and Spinoza have been misunderstood. He redresses this situation by exploring the concepts of idea and essence in both philosophers, dedicating the first part of his erudite study to Hobbes, and the second to Spinoza. For readers interested in the history of philosophy or simply wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the philosophical schools surrounding either Hobbes or Spinoza, this remains recommended reading.

Albert George Adam Balz (1887-1957) was a noted American philosopher and an expert on Decartes. He taught at the University of Virginia.