Pre-publication information
Subject to revision - Last updated July 2nd, 2025

Portraits of Philosophers

Portraits of Philosophers presents intimate conversations with thirteen prominent contemporary philosophers, each accompanied by black-and-white portrait photography. The book contains thoughtful discussions about fundamental questions of ethics, identity, mortality, and meaning. Its format bridges coffee table and intellectual appeal: substantial enough for philosophy readers, visually engaging for a broader audience.

  • Format: Hardcover, linen-bound, 25 × 25 cm
    Length: ~200 pages
    Production: Black & white photography, 150gsm matte paper
    Finishing: Foil-stamped title, ribbon bookmark, decorative headband and tailband
    Publication: Autumn 2025
    Print run: 1,000 copies (first edition)

  • UK & EU: Gardners Books LTD
    USA: TBA

  • MSRP: £34.95 - €39.95 - $49.95
    Trade discount: Standard 40% with higher volume discounts available

  • Simon Blackburn
    Former Cambridge professor whose popular philosophy books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide.

    Peter Singer
    Groundbreaking moralist, Princeton professor, global bestseller, and NYT’s "Most Influential Living Philosopher."

    A.C. Grayling
    Public intellectual, bestselling author of 30+ books, regular BBC contributor, and one of Britain's most recognisable philosophers.

    Kwame Anthony Appiah
    NYU professor, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the world's most cited contemporary philosophers.

    Alice Crary
    Leading feminist philosopher whose work bridges academic and public philosophy.

    Julian Baggini
    Bestselling author of 20+ books, regular Guardian columnist, and Britain's leading popular philosopher.

    Alex Carter
    Author’s former Philosophy professor at Cambridge and Academic Director at the university.

    Clare Carlisle
    King's College professor and Baillie Gifford Prize longlisted author for her acclaimed Kierkegaard biography.

    Roger Crisp
    Oxford professor and world-renowned authority on ethics, editor of major philosophical works.

    John Cottingham
    Emeritus Reading professor and the definitive English-language authority on René Descartes.

    Stephen Law
    Former postman turned Oxford Philosophy professor, bestselling author and public intellectual known for his witty, accessible books.

    Daisy Dixon
    Rising star and young Philosophy Professor recognised for innovative work in ethics.

    Denise Ferreira da Silva
    Internationally acclaimed critical theorist reshaping contemporary philosophy.

Events & Exhibits

We are developing a series of photography exhibitions featuring portraits from Portraits of Philosophers to coincide with the book's publication. Gallery partnerships are being established in London and other key cities to maximise cultural visibility and drive book sales through cross-promotion with participating retailers.

Social Media

The book is supported by an extensive archive of over 25 hours of recorded interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and full transcripts from conversations with the featured philosophers. This material will form the basis for ongoing publicity campaigns, social media content, and educational resources.

The Photographer

Minco van der Weide is a photographer and filmmaker whose work explores the intersection of ideas and human experience. Philosophy entered his life unexpectedly through undergraduate studies, filling what he describes as “a space my artistic training had left untouched—a deeper kind of curiosity that image alone could not satisfy.”

He holds an MA from the UK's National Film and Television School, an MSc in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Birkbeck College, and completed his MPhil at Cambridge, where Portraits of Philosophers began as a documentary film project.

His work has been featured internationally, including at the Venice Biennale. Through Platonic Films and now Platonic Press, he bridges visual arts and philosophical inquiry, creating work that fosters reflection and connection.

Portraits of Philosophers represents years spent in conversation with leading thinkers, capturing what Minco calls "the particular 'somewhere' from which each philosopher speaks"—the humanity behind ideas that rarely appears in academic texts but emerges vividly in face-to-face encounters.

We would love to work with you

Portraits of Philosophers represents a compelling retail opportunity with broad market appeal. This premium hardcover attracts multiple customer segments—philosophy readers, photography enthusiasts, and sophisticated gift buyers—while addressing fundamental questions that feel more urgent than ever. The book's striking visual presentation and accessible approach to serious ideas make it ideal for both impulse purchases and meaningful gift occasions. With limited first edition appeal, extensive promotional support including exhibitions and social media assets, and evergreen themes that ensure year-round sales potential, this title offers retailers immediate commercial appeal and lasting value for customers seeking thoughtful, beautifully crafted books.