“A Short History of Modern Philosophy” by Roger Scruton is a concise and engaging survey of Western philosophy from the 17th to the 20th century. First published in 1981, this accessible book explores the development of modern philosophical thought through the contributions of key figures, including Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Wittgenstein. Scruton’s narrative emphasizes the connections and conflicts between rationalism, empiricism, idealism, and existentialism, clarifying complex ideas and highlighting their relevance to contemporary debates. With characteristic elegance and insight, Scruton provides a nuanced and balanced account, avoiding jargon and technicalities while still conveying the depth and richness of modern philosophical inquiry. Ideal for students, scholars, and general readers, Scruton’s book offers a compelling introduction to the evolution of modern Western philosophy.