The Routledge Philosophy GuideBooks painlessly introduce students to the classic works of philosophy. Each GuideBook considers a major philosopher and a key area of their philosophy by focusing upon an important text -- situating the philosopher and the work in a historical context, considering the text in question and assessing the philosopher's contribution to contemporary thought.

Heidegger is one of the most controversial thinkers of the twentieth century. His writings are notoriously difficult; they require and reward careful reading.