Indice: Preface and acknowledgments. Note on texts and references. Descartes family tree. Introduction. 1. A lawyer's education 2. In search of a career (1616-1622) 3. Magic, Mathematics and mechanics: Paris (1622-1628) 4. A fabulous world (1629-1633) 5. The scientific Essays and the Discourse on method (1633-1637) 6. Retreat and defence (1637-1639) 7. Metaphysics in a Hornet's nest (1639-1642) 8. The French Liar's monkey and the Utrecht crisis 9. Descartes and Princess Elizabeth 10. The principle of philosophy (1644) 11. The quarrel and final rift with regius 12. Once more into battle: the Leiden theologians (1647) 13. Thoughts of retirement 14. Death in Sweden. Appendix 1: Descartes' principal works. Appendix 2: Places where Descartes lived. Notes. Bibliography. Index
