Originally published in 1940, this book by famous Plotinus scholar Arthur Hilary Armstrong
assesses how the philosopher's hierarchy of reality fits into the wider universal order, and
how the historical and philosophical tradition gave rise to Plotinus' own philosophies.
Armstrong also supplies a bibliography broken down by topic for those who wish to pursue
any aspect of the text in greater depth. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest
in Plotinus, Neoplatonism and in the pagan roots of Christian philosophy.

a definite criticism of the prevailing" solar theology". This may well be true; but Plotinus
nevertheless was deeply affected by this theology, perhaps more deeply than he knew. 2 VI.,
5, 12; cp. VI., 5, 7. 3 VI., 4, 3. 4 VI., 4, 9. 5 On this question see Witt," Plotinus and
Posidonius", CQ 24 (1930), p. 198, and especially pp. 205-207.