Description

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A biography of the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646–1716) told through seven critical days spanning his life and revealing his contributions to our modern world.

Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, Aristotle, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. These individuals share the venerable title of polymath—or, more colloquially, “Renaissance man.” Compared to his peers, though, Leibniz has all but disappeared from collective memory. In The Best of All Possible Worlds, historian Michael Kempe embarks on a journey through the life, accomplishments, and inventions of one of the most important thinkers in history. Structured around seven crucial days from Leibniz’s life, Kempe’s masterwork allows us to observe the philosopher and courtier in the act of thinking and creating, giving us a deeper understanding of his philosophy, mathematics, and broad-reaching scientific endeavors, which all saw Leibniz strive to connect far-flung fields of knowledge. Simultaneously, a person who bears a resemblance to the isolated individuals of the present day comes into view, constantly communicating and yet withdrawn into themselves. The Best of All Possible Worlds draws us into the awe-inspiring mind of an often-overlooked genius, showing how Leibniz helped make our world.

About the Author

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Michael Kempe is the director of the Leibniz Research Center and the Leibniz-Archiv in Hanover, Germany, and teaches early modern history at the University of Konstanz.

Marshall Yarbrough is a writer, musician, and German-to-English translator. He lives in New York City.