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Spinoza's lens
Jaron Beekes
3.32
34 ratings 3 reviews
Spinoza’s Lens tells the eventful history of the Netherlands’ greatest philosopher, Baruch de Spinoza (1632–1677), and provides a vivid, accessible, and original introduction to his work. Spinoza’s plea for political and religious tolerance earned him mainly enemies. Hated and opposed, he continued to fight until his death for what we now take for granted: freedom of speech and religion.
GenresComicsPhilosophyGraphic Novels
157 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
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Jaron Beekes5 books 1 follower
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3.32
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Sarah Vangheluwe
114 reviews8 followers
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February 26, 2014
'By accident,' I ended up in the comics section at the graphic novel rack during my most recent library visit. I picked up Persepolis, and my eye fell on this book as well. I fear that anyone with no affinity for (Spinoza's) philosophy might find little of interest in it, but since I once wrote a paper on him, I couldn't leave it behind. The book focuses primarily on his life, and slightly less on his philosophy, though the latter is summarized briefly and accessibly. Quite a nice introduction to the life and work of the Netherlands' greatest philosopher, I think.
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Wenda
112 reviews1 follower
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January 5, 2021
A beautiful, simple graphic novel about Spinoza's life by Jaron Beekes. Baruch or Bento, or well, Benedictus Spinoza's philosophy is essentially depicted through the key events and friendships of his life in 17th-century Amsterdam, although it remains somewhat superficial. Very accessible and a nice introduction to an important figure in Dutch history, also suitable for young adults.
I find it especially fantastic that such a subject has been turned into a graphic novel!
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Robbe
34 reviews18 followers
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June 9, 2013
An interesting and enjoyable portrayal of Spinoza's life and work, but it remains (too) superficial. There is not much more to learn from the book than from a historical overview of philosophy or a Wikipedia page . For those who already have an idea of who Spinoza was and what he stood for, there is therefore not much to it. The drawings are generally well made but not particularly spectacular or fascinating, which fits the tone of the book well, though at times it became a bit banal.
Compared to that other philosophical graphic-novel biography: Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth, it does not reach the same level, either in terms of content or artistry. (I thought I read an article/interview in which Beekes indicates that he got his idea from here, but I cannot immediately find it).
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
