Synopses & Reviews
The central work of one of the West's greatest philosophers, The Republic of Plato is a masterpiece of insight and feeling, the finest of the Socratic dialogues, and one of the great books of Western culture. This new translation captures the dramatic realism, poetic beauty, intellectual vitality, and emotional power of Plato at the height of his powers. Deftly weaving three main strands of argument into an artistic whole--the ethical and political, the aesthetic and mystical, and the metaphysical--Plato explores in The Republic the elements of the ideal community, where morality can be achieved in a balance of wisdom, courage, and restraint.
Review
"Robin Waterfield has produced an idiomatic, lively, and thoroughly up-to-date Englishing of Plato's Republic....Waterfield...succeeds beautifully...in making engaging English out of Plato's Greek. For this teachers of Greek philosophy owe him gratitude."--Ancient Philosophy
"Waterfield's translation is certainly the best of the Republic available. It is accurate and informed by deep philosophical understanding of the text; unlike other translations it combines these virtues with an impressive ability to render Plato into English that is as varied and expressive as is Plato's Greek."-- Professor Julia Annas, University of Arizona
"Translated in an easy, accessible style, as though these were people, not textbooks speaking. The introduction is lucid and complete."--E.N. Genovese, San Diego State University
"An excellent translation and introduction. The best I have seen."--Tom Christenson, Capital University
About the Author
Robin Waterfield is a distinguished translator and author. Previously a consultant editor for Collins-Harvill, his translations of Plato include Philebus (1982), Theatetus (1987), Early Socratic Dialogues (1987), and Symposium (WC, Jan, 1994).