Renowned author Peter Kreeft has published a four-volume book series on philosophy called “Socrates’ Children,” which Winona-Rochester Bishop Robert Barron is encouraging people to read.

“Friends, the study of philosophy is integral to a well-rounded life,” Barron said in a tweet. “Yet for many people, philosophy can seem confusing, abstract and daunting. Peter Kreeft’s four-volume book series, ‘Socrates’ Children; aims to solve that.”

Kreeft uses clarity and a little humor to present an enjoyable introduction to philosophy through the lens of the hundred greatest philosophers in history, Barron’s Word on Fire website says.

“Socrates’ Children” explores the significant ideas of philosophers during four major historical periods and invites readers to join the "great conversation" that has taken place between the most influential thinkers throughout history, including the father of Western philosophy, Socrates, it says.

Word on Fire offered brief descriptions of the books.

Volume I of the series is Ancient Philosophers and it delves into the philosophical foundations laid by the ancient sages, Greeks and Romans, as well as the philosophers who posed the first great philosophical issues.

Volume II focuses on Medieval Philosophers, with an emphasis on the religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam as they strove to connect the Greek philosophical heritage with the arrival of Jesus Christ.

Volume III, Modern Philosophers, looks at the philosophical world as it gets caught up in Enlightenment.

Volume IV looks at Contemporary Philosophers and investigates the prominent philosophers of the previous two centuries.

Kreeft is a professor of philosophy at Boston College. His website says he has written more than 100 books on a wide range of subjects related to philosophy, religion, and spirituality. These consist of Socrates Meets Jesus, Jesus Shock, The Philosophy of Tolkien, Handbook of Christian Apologetics, Christianity for Modern Pagans, Fundamentals of the Faith and more.