This book, Thales and the Beginnings of European Reflection, is more than a field guide to all major testimonies about Thales. It does not merely contain a summary and critique of the available literature on the subject, but also lays down a new, holistic interpretation of Thales from a perspective that brings to light several important, but previously overlooked issues. An emphasis on mythology in Thales¿ thought combined with discourse analysis and a comprehensive treatment of his thinking in its pre-philosophical and pre- scientific unity is hoped to offer a unique and deeper insight into Thales¿ genius and the beginnings of European reflection.