Friendship

‘An intelligent, loving tribute to the virtues, values and varieties of friendship.‘—Iain Finlayson, The Times

– Iain Finlayson * The Times *“‘Friend’ is a much devalued word today… .In Friendship the noted British scholar A.C. Grayling tries to restore some of the term’s richness.” —Micah Mattix, The Wall Street Journal – Micah Mattix * Wall Street Journal *“A philosophical inquiry into friendship with a historical perspective … [offers] some fresh ways of looking at and thinking about a very familiar topic.”—Kirkus Reviews * Kirkus Reviews *“A masterly investigation into one of the supreme, though often neglected, virtues of the well-lived life. A.C. Grayling dazzlingly illuminates the richness of friendship as it has been conceived and practised in the Western world since antiquity.“—Simon May, author of Love: A History – Simon MayPraise for A. C. Grayling:“If there is any such person in Britain today as The Thinking Man, it is A. C. Grayling. He provides generous help for the ethically challenged, the philosophically perplexed, and the culturally confused.“—The Times * The Times *‘A superb, enlightening tour - and a friendly one – through friendship’s literary and philosophical landscape.’ - Sarah Bakewell, author ofHow to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer – Sarah Bakewell“Precise and rigorous.”–Glenn Altschuler, Psychology Today website – Glenn Altschuler * Psychology Today *

“Wearing his impressive intellect lightly, Grayling offers an accessible exploration of ideas about friendship through the ages, from Ancient Greek thinkers through to the present day – grounded in experiences from his own life. In a refreshing break from the tradition of analytical philosophy, he goes beyond abstract, logical arguments to offer valuable insights for our lives. With social media stretching the definition of ‘friend’ to near meaninglessness, this is a timely and thought-provoking read.”—Juanita Coulson, The Lady

– Juanita Coulson * The Lady *“Grayling’s scholarship goes forward at a gallop, but his exuberance and commitment captures the reader.”—Illtyd Harrington, Camden New Journal – Illtyd Harrington * Camden New Journal *“Elegant … Grayling has taken a subject that is hiding in plain sight and given it the loving attention it deserves.”—Joe Queenan, Barron’s – Joe Queenan * Barron’s *