Annotated List of Books on Metaphysics

Perhaps there is no branch of philosophy more perplexing, exciting, and confusing than metaphysics. Metaphysics (Greek translation = after/beyond the natural world) is a branch of philosophy dealing with the reality of subjects, existence, objecthood, and the relationship these entities share with one another. The list of books I've put together is suitable and enjoyable for those of all philosophical backgrounds. Whether you've mastered the works of classical Western philosophy or never picked up a philosophy book in your life, these books will prove to be an excellent read and a good source of fine tuning your understanding of the world and our place within it. I've also taken the opportunity to include both spectrums regarding schools of metaphysical thought: idealism and materialism.  I've included within my list the author's name, the title of the book, publication information, and a brief annotation. 

1. Loux, Michael J.
Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction
New York: Routlidge Publishing.1998. (288 p.)

Commentary: This book provides a very thorough, while easy to understand introduction to metaphysics and the philosophical concepts included within. The author tries to compare contemporary metaphysics to some of the classical sources on metaphysical philosophy (Aristotle). The reading level seems to be directed towards under-graduate college students, some of the chapters require some understanding of basic philosophical terminology. Each chapter includes a brief summary of important points, and covers a variety of topics such as realism/nominalism, ontology, restrictions on realism, and concrete particulars. 

2. Collingwood, R.G.; Martin
An Essay on Metaphysics
London: Oxford University Press. 1940. (354 p.)