What is truth? This question was put by Pontius Pilate to Jesus (St John, 18:38) and answer came there none. Thus, throughout history there have been those who have grappled with this question. Sometimes wise, sometimes fallacious and for however brief a moment, their ideas have illuminated the path to understanding. Mankind owes much to those who have lived in pursuit of truth.

Amusing, accessible and illuminating, historian and biographer Mark Hichens shines a light on some of history's greatest minds in The Pursuit of Truth.