Book Review: Founding Father

Abstract

Introduction:  Thales has often and long been regarded as the first Western philosopher, but it has not always been clear whether this should be treated as a fact of history or a convention of tradition. This book is a sustained and serious effort to give Thales his authentically historical dues. Unfortunately, historical sources of knowledge about him are few and far between, and, where they exist, do not always tell the same story. Assembling the fragments, reconciling the differences and filling in the gaps over 2,500 years after he died is clearly no straightforward task To produce a full-length book out of it is a substantial achievement.