Sophie's World is a 1991 novel by Jostein Gaarder, originally published in Norwegian as Sofies verden. It is a philosophical novel about the history of philosophy for young adults. Written as a series of letters from a mysterious tutor to a girl named Sophie, the novel introduces fundamental philosophical ideas and concepts, such as the nature of existence, free will, and the meaning of life. The novel has been praised for its engaging narrative, wit, and accessibility for young readers. Sophie's World has also been popular with adults, and has helped to introduce many people to the history of philosophy. This edition, in German, was originally published by dtv and reprinted by Reihe Hanser. The book's cover features a depiction of the world, and a man reaching for it with a ladder, echoing Plato's Cave allegory.
