Johann Gottfried von Herder (1744–1803) is one of the most important German philosophers of the eighteenth century, who had enormous influence on later thinkers such as Hegel, Schleiermacher and Nietzsche. His wide-ranging ideas were formative in the development of linguistics, hermeneutics, anthropology and bible scholarship, and even today they retain their vitality and relevance to an extraordinary degree. This volume presents a translation of Herder's most important and characteristic philosophical writings (some of which have never before been translated) in his areas of central interest, including philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, philosophy of history and political philosophy, as well as his general philosophical program. An introduction sets the writings in their historical context and examines their philosophical achievement.

"This volume of translations of Herder's philosophical writings, many of which have never before been translated, is an important step in making herder accessible to readers who do not know German. Recommended." Choice

"This most welcome volume should serve to stimulate further interest in Herder and make his ideas more accessible to Anglophones. For the price, it is a real bargain!" German Studies Review, Joe K. Fugate