Lawrence invites the reader to hear, then to listen to, then to become enraptured with, and finally to join in with a different philosophical rhythm than the manifold conformities that prevail in the stultified world of cultural education. These different beats are pedagogical; they are grounded in his own teaching and learning with students over many years, something at which he is gifted and inspiring. His readings are provocative, challenging, and fearless. Expect to be moved, but not to know in which ways until the experience is under way. The themes may seem familiar, but the way Lawrence plays them to us are not. Do not read this book seeking to master it. It does not seek to master you. Just let it play… ~ Professor Nigel Tubb, Professor of Philosophy and Education and author of Socrates on Trial; God, Education, and Modern Metaphysics; Philosophy and Modern Liberal Arts; and History of Western Philosophy

In Offbeat Philosophers, Lawrence Harvey provides a way in to the more “dissonant” aspects of the work of an eclectic group of philosophers and thinkers. The invitation to take short excursions into that which is unpredictable, idiosyncratic and disruptive in thinkers such as Max Stirner, Donna Haraway, Paul Rée, Emmanuel Levinas and Jalal al-Din Rumi, is a compelling re-orientation towards the margins of much conventional curricula and pedagogy. Highly engaging, educative and readable, the book will appeal simultaneously to readers and teachers already taken to wandering off the beaten track as well as those looking for confidence to take that first step. ~ Dr Rebekah Howes, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, Religions, and Liberal Arts at the University of Winchester, UK.

In this delightful anthology, Lawrence Harvey presents ten offbeat philosophers. The crowning glory of this work is his ability to snapshot interesting and offbeat facts from the life of each philosopher whilst enigmatically capturing the essence of their thought. The result is a well-researched, witty, and engaging tour through a range of philosophers exploring topics as diverse as the ego, time, the soul, God, poetry, art, cyborgs, and mysticism. For anyone who is interested in philosophy but wants to diverge from the limited narrative of the mainstream canon, this work is a gem that dares to be different. ~ Tara Baker, Head of Religious Studies, Peter Symonds College, Hampshire, UK

Offbeat Philosophers serves as a warm, lively, and accessible introduction to some of the most interesting philosophical minds. Harvey casts a deserving light on the work of these eccentric thinkers whose ideas have occupied only the fringes of mainstream philosophy. Those new to philosophy will find themselves engaged by strikingly thought-provoking theories, whilst those acquainted with the philosophical tradition shall come to realise just how influential these “off-beat” philosophers were to the giants of the canon. ~ Callum Webb, Balliol College, University of Oxford