Acknowledgements \ 1. Context \ 2.  Overview of Themes \ 3.  Reading the Text:  Schopenhauer's Prefaces to WWR, his Critique of the Kantian Philosophy, and The Fourfold Root of the Principle of Sufficient Reason \ 4.  Reading the Text:  Book I, Perceptual vs. Abstract Representations, 1-16 \ 5.  Reading the Text:  Book II, Will as Thing-in-Itself, 17-29 \ 6.  Reading the Text:  Book III, Platonic Ideas, Beauty and Art, 30-52 \ 7.  Reading the Text:  Book IV, Ethics and Asceticism, 53-71 \ 8.  Reception and Influence \ Notes for Further Reading \ Index.

Schopenhauer's The World as Will and Representation is widely considered to be one of the most important and influential texts in nineteenth-century German philosophy. The text provides an avenue through which to introduce and explore a rich assortment of philosophical themes and questions, and represents Schopenhauer's widely discussed attempt to find personal meaning amidst a violent, frustrating and seemingly godless world. Since it was published in 1818, the text has influenced generations of musicians, artists, writers and historians, as well as philosophers.

This Reader's Guide presents a concise and accessible introduction to the text, offering invaluable guidance on:

- Philosophical context

- Key themes

- Reading the text

- Reception and influence

- Further reading