This comprehensive, general introduction to Schelling's philosophy shows that it was Schelling who set the agenda for German idealism and defined the term of its characteristic problems.

Schelling is finally beginning to emerge from the long shadow cast by the eminence and influence of Hegel. This book demonstrates that, far from merely forming a step on the royal road to Hegel, it was Schelling who set the agenda for German Idealism and defined the terms of its characteristic problems. Ultimately, it was also Schelling who explored the possibility of idealistic system-building from within and thus brought an end to idealism