Practical Kantian Ethics

Portraits of Kant is a rare collection of first-hand accounts of the 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant, arguably one of the most important thinkers of the modern age.

Beginning with his childhood and early days as a student, this three volume work is constructed from the observations of his family, friends, colleagues, and other contemporaries. Across more than 160 selected texts, Steve Naragon traces Kant's progress from his childhood and student days to his old age, death, and the posthumous memorials to his life and thought.

Volume I introduces Königsberg - the city where Kant spent his entire life - and collects together observations and records of Kant's family life and childhood, his studies at the Gymnasium and university, and his years spent as a Hofmeister in the Prussian countryside.

Nearly all of the source material is appearing for the first time in English, with extracts from letters, diaries, and journals of the day, as well as longer biographical sketches and memoirs. This one-of-kind biographical resource, told through the words of those who knew and argued with him, is accompanied by an introduction, commentaries and numerous maps and illustrations.

For anyone interested in Kant or the history of modern European philosophy, Portraits of Kant brings 18th-century Germany to life and offers new perspectives into the life and character of one of the world's most influential individuals.