academia at its worst
The recent publication of biographies of philosophers in English, many by Cambridge, has filled a gap in the literature. Unfortunately this particular item is totally inadequate. First the style is pedantic and long-winded; apparently Mr. La Vopa had a sabbatical to fill up, a publication requirement to meet or just thought he might turn that dissertation into a book. Second, amazingly, it actually ends before Fichte did any of his most significant work! So it is unhelpful both as biography and commentary for any but the most narrowly focused of readers. Thirdly, at $65 it physically fell apart in my hands as I was reading it. I doubt if there are a dozen people in the English-speaking world to whom this book would be of interest.