World Classics Library Plato

"The European philosophical tradition ... consists of a series of footnotes to Plato." - Alfred North Whitehead Plato's ideas on morality, reason, justice, and religion have laid the foundations of Western philosophy. This beautiful jacketed hardback collects some of his most celebrated writings, including his iconic work The Republic. These Ancient Greek dialogues are written as conversations between Plato's mentor Socrates and various Athenian citizens, covering vast range of topics including the construction of communities, immortality of the soul, temperance, rhetoric and virtue. His writings have been studied for hundreds of years and yet remain strikingly relevant and accessible for a modern readership. Includes: • The Republic • Symposium • Apology • Euthyphro • Meno • Crito • Charmides • Gorgias • Parmenides ABOUT THE SERIES: The World Classics Library series gathers together the work of authors and philosophers whose ideas have stood the test of time. Perfect for bibliophiles, these gorgeous jacketed hardbacks are a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.

Republic is the central work of the Western world's most famous philosopher. Essentially an inquiry into morality, Republic also contains crucial arguments and insights into many other areas of philosophy. It is also a literary masterpiece: the philosophy is presented for the most part for the ordinary reader, who is carried along by the wit and intensity of the dialogue and by Plato's unforgettable images of the human condition. This new, lucid translation by Robin Waterfield is complemented by full explanatory notes and an up-to-date critical introduction. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

The Iliad and The Odyssey are two epic poems from Ancient Greece which have become cornerstones of Western literature. This stunning jacketed hardback brings together these two works in an accessible prose translation, ideal for those wanting to be thrown into the action of these thrilling tales In The Iliad, the Greek's best warrior Achilles has abandoned the war with the Trojans on a mission of revenge. Only the death of his best friend Patroclus persuades Achilles to return to battle and confront the Trojan leader Hector in single combat. The Odyssey is set after the Trojan War as Odysseus sets off on his ten-year journey home to Ithica. Filled with fallible gods and foolhardy heroes, these two classic tales offer incredible insight into ancient Greek mythology and culture, as well as being thrilling reads. ABOUT THE SERIES: The World Classics Library series gathers together the works of authors and philosophers whose ideas have stood the test of time. Perfect for bibliophiles, these gorgeous jacketed hardbacks are a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.

The struggle which Plato has Socrates recommend to his interlocutors in Gorgias - and to his readers - is the struggle to overcome the temptations of worldly success and to concentrate on genuine morality. Ostensibly an enquiry into the value of rhetoric, the dialogue soon becomes an investigation into the value of these two contrasting ways of life. In a series of dazzling and bold arguments, Plato attempts to establish that only morality can bring a person true happiness, and to demolish alternative viewpoints. It is not suprising that Gorgias is one of Plato's most widely read dialogues. Philosophers read it for its coverage of central moral issues; others enjoy its vividness, clarity and occasional bitter humour. This new translation is accompanied by explanatory notes and an informative introduction. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

In these four dialogues Plato considers virtue and its definition. Charmides, Laches, and Lysis investigate the specific virtues of self-control, courage, and friendship; the laterMeno discusses the concept of virtue as a whole, and whether it is something that can be taught.

"The Republic" is Plato's discussion of the nature and meanin g of justice and of the ideal state and its ruler. All subsequent European thinking about these subjects owes its character, directly or indirectly, to this most famous, and most accessible of the Platonic dialogues.

This beautiful jacketed hardback collection brings together five iconic works of Eastern philosophy. Full of timeless wisdom and invaluable advice, these classic Chinese and Japanese texts condense the spiritual teachings from thousands of years of history. --Amazon.com