'Professor Putnam presents a powerful, coherent and persuasive system of thought. Ranging widely over the topics mentioned in their titles, the two volumes of essays yet have a remarkable degree of unity. Their themes overlap and are linked, as philosophical themes, seriously handled, must always overlap and be linked. In a period in which the general level of philosophical competence, ... Read moreas evidenced in publication, is extremely high, Putnam's work stands conspicuously out by virtue of its combination of technical sophistication, clear-sightedness, depth and power. Nothing of what he says is trivial, most of it is true and all parts of it are systematically interconnected. His prose - lucid, lively and unpretentious - is an excellent medium for his thought.' P. F. Strawson, The Times Literary Supplement Show Less