Alfred William Benn's "History of Modern Philosophy" provides a comprehensive overview of the development of philosophy from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The book is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on a different philosopher and their contributions to the field. Benn's writing is clear and informative, making complex philosophical ideas accessible to readers of all levels.

One of the strengths of this book is its thorough coverage of major philosophical movements, such as rationalism, empiricism, and idealism. Benn does an excellent job of explaining the key concepts and arguments of each philosopher, allowing readers to understand how these ideas shaped the course of Western thought.

However, some readers may find the book to be a bit dense and difficult to read at times. The language can be academic and technical, which may be challenging for those unfamiliar with philosophy. Additionally, the book focuses primarily on Western philosophy, neglecting the contributions of non-Western thinkers.

Overall, "History of Modern Philosophy" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of philosophy. Benn's meticulous research and thoughtful analysis make this book a must-read for students and enthusiasts of philosophical thought.

Book Description:
This book is a brief, but cogent discussion of Western philosophy-- from Francis Bacon and Giordano Bruno through Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz, Hume, Berkeley and Kant, the German idealists and Hegel, and ending with such nineteenth century luminaries as Mill, Spencer, and Nietzsche. Enchanted with Copernicus, Bruno goes to the stake for positing an infinity of inhabited worlds. Descartes, a professed skeptic, manages to justify everything the Jesuits taught him at La Flèche, while Spinoza, in mystical awe, envisions a pantheistic cosmos in which thought and extension are one and the same thing--God. The British philosopher, A.W. Benn, presents each thinker biographically and within the context of his philosophical predecessors and contemporaries.