Baruch Spinoza (1632--1677) was born in Amsterdam during a period of unprecedented scientific, artistic, and intellectual discovery. Upon its release, Spinoza's Ethics was banned; today it is the quintessential example of Spinoza's philosophical method. Although acknowledged as difficult, the book is widely taught in philosophy, literature, history, and politics. This Indiana Philosophical Guide is designed to be read side-by-side with Spinoza's work. As a guide to style, vocabulary, and arguments of the Ethics, this introduction offers a range of interpretive possibilities to prepare students to become conversant with Spinoza's philosophical method and his challenge to conventional thinking.