René Descartes is one of the most influential thinkers in history and the father of modern philosophy. Here is a reading list and recommendations to some of the most important books by Descartes and on him. To learn more about Descartes' philosophy before diving in to his books check out our introduction to Descartes.
Best books by René Descartes
Meditations on First Philosophy is not only the first book by Descartes to start with, it is most probably the first book in modern philosophy to read. Meditations is a 6 chapter quest into one could ever possibly hope to know about the world and himself.
Discourse on Method precedes Meditations and could serve as a basis for understanding Descartes' project. Discourse on Method, as the names suggests, deals with the method of gaining true knowledge, the philosophical basis for modern science.
Not so well known but very interesting is Descartes’ The Passion of the Soul which deals with the body/mind problem and includes other later writings.
Some other good
options to start reading Descartes are his Selected Philosophical Writings or the
(kindle) essential collection.
Books on Descartes
Tom Sorell offers A Very Brief Introduction to Descartes which will give you an overall look on Descartes, his thinking and influence. This is a good option if you're do not have a lot of philosophical background. Another introductory option is How to Read Descartes.
Understanding Rene Descartes will walk you through a reading of Meditation on First Philosophy.
A more advanced and academic choice is the The Cambridge Companion to Descartes which goes in-depth into many topics in his thought.
A very academic and advanced option is the Essays on Descartes series.
For a personal
perspective try Descartes' Biography by Desmond Clarke.