Sophie's World
A Novel About the History of Philosophy
by Jostein Gaarder
, Translated by Paulette Moller
Category: Fiction / General
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Publication date: 4 March 1996
Number of pages: 448
Interest Age: From 10 To 99
Description:
Sophie finds two questions in her mailbox: "Who are you?" and "Where does the world come from?" This is the start of her journey through the history of philosophy, guided by a mysterious mentor. To find the truth, we must understand the questions, but the truth is stranger than Sophie can imagine.
Review:
Fourteen-year-old Sophie Amundsen finds two questions in her mailbox: 'Who are you?' and 'Where does the world come from?'. This lights a blaze of curiosity in her brain. She soon becomes involved in a tour through Western philosophy guided by a mysterious mentor, Alberto Knox. Originally intending to write a school book for young people, Norwegian philosophy teacher Jostein Gaarder found himself creating a fantasy whereby Sophie and Alberto begin to doubt their own material existence. Why does Sophie receive letters addressed to a girl called Hilde? Woven into an admirably accessible short history of Western philosophy is a mystery story about Sophie, a lively schoolgirl and Hilde, her alter ego. The result is a remarkable book with overtones of Lewis Carroll and Tom Stoppard, which headed bestseller lists around the world. (Kirkus UK)
What the papers say:
'Sophie's World is set to become a unique popular classic: a wonderful engaging mystery story that also forms a completely accessible and lucid introduction to philosophy and philosophers'
The Times
Author's Biography:
Jostein Gaarder is the author of SOPHIE'S WORLD, a huge bestseller in over 40 countries. He was born in Oslo in 1952 and lives there now with his wife and two sons.
In Stock: 50+ copies
