This is the first history in English of German historicism, the intellectual tradition which holds that history is the key to understanding all human values, beliefs and actions. Beiser surveys the key thinkers from the mid-18th to the early 20th century and illuminates the sources and reasons for this revolution in modern thought. This is an excellent and fascinating book. Beiser brings to bear a deep knowledge of both primary and secondary sources, a sharp eye for important philosophical issues, and an engaging writing style.