From Socrates to Sartre : The Philosophic Quest

The basis for a PBS series in the 1980's, this book could be the simplest one-volume history of philosophy you'll find that's organized around the two or three dozen big names one would encounter in many philosophy or history classes. If you need a short few pages on the assumptions, systems and conclusions of Western philosophy's major contenders (prior to more extensive discussions), this book will get you started with the foundations that distinguish these figures from all others.