In the "Journal of the History of Ideas", the philosopher George Boas wrote that, ""A History of Western Philosophy" errs consistently in this respect. Its author never seems to be able to make up his mind whether he is writing history or polemic... method confers on philosophers who are dead and gone a kind of false contemporaneity which may make them seem important to the uninitiate. But nevertheless it is a misreading of history." In "Isis", Leo Roberts wrote that while Russell was a deft and witty writer, "A History of Western Philosophy" was perhaps the worst of Russell's books. In his view, Russell was at his best when dealing with contemporary philosophy, and that in contrast "his treatment of ancient and medieval doctrines is nearly worthless." "A History of Western Philosophy" was praised by physicists Albert Einstein and Erwin Schrödinger.