A distinguished philosopher, a sophisticated scientist and a talented musician: the many achievements of the tenth-century Islamic thinker al-Farabi are carefully documented in this substantial new introduction to his life and works.<BR>Credited with introducing Neoplatonism to the Muslim world, al-Farabi is also acknowledged as the first great system builder of Islamic philosophy. His pivotal influence, not only on Islamic thought but also on western philosophy generally, is reflected in this stimulating study, which includes a survey of al-Farabi's influences on such major figures as al-Ghazali, Ibn Sina and Moses Maimonides.