Here are the concepts that shaped civilization...the minds that made history...the thinkers, the thoughts, and the theories you need to know to understand the world we live in. Now you can get to the bottom of the big bang theory; find out where Freud's ideas were coming from, and where Einstein's may ultimately take us; demystify surrealism and structuralism, dialectic and deconstruction, communism and capitalism. With hundreds of entries, drawn from a wide range of fields - including religion, philosophy, psychology, economics, politics, history, art, literature, and science - The Dictionary of Important Ideas and Thinkers enables you to turn immediately to the term in question for a comprehensive description of its history, meaning, and context. - Hundreds of entries, alphabetically arranged, with key words and concepts highlighted and cross-referenced - more than two thousand in all - A special emphasis on multicultural influences and the long-neglected impact of women on the history of ideas - A concise bibliography of further readings and resources - A comprehensive index giving easy access to all key terms and names

Author Biography

Chris Rohmann is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Northampton, MA. He was co-compiler of The Oxford Guide to Classical Mythology in the Arts and is an officer of the National Writers Union.