The Trial and Death of Socrates - Arcturus Pocket Wisdom by Plato Hardcover

Book Synopsis

This handsome jacketed hardback edition presents The Trial and Death of Socrates with striking two-color page illustrations and a ribbon marker.

Socrates is one of the great figures of Western history and the founding father of its philosophical tradition. In the Dialogues, by his pupil and fellow philosopher Plato, a fascinating portrait emerges of a man who spurned material wealth and believed above all in learning and inquiry.

Apology, Crito, and Phaedo recount Socrates' trial on charges of 'corrupting the youth' of Athens, his defiance of the court, and his last days in jail passed in discussion with friends. Together they form an excellent introduction to a courageous and captivating figure who paid with his life for the right to free thought.

This edition contains an introduction by Dr Emma Woolerton and the acclaimed translation by classicist Benjamin Jowett, beautifully accompanied by two-color illustrations.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Arcturus Pocket Wisdom brings together elegant pocket hardback editions of essential works of philosophy from the Western and Eastern cannon. Each using classic translations, they are elegantly presented with handsome dust jackets, two-color illustrations and ribbon markers.

About the Author

Plato was born into a wealthy Athenian family between 429 and 427BC. After the death of his teacher Socrates in 399bc, Plato traveled around Greece and Asia Minor before returning to Athens to found an Academy dedicated to philosophical, mathematical and political learning. Thirty-five dialogues have been ascribed to Plato, the most famous of which are those relating to the trial and death of Socrates, and The Republic. Plato dedicated his life to teaching and writing, and died around 347BC.

Emma Woolerton read Classics at the University of Cambridge, from which she graduated with her PhD in 2004. She now teaches Latin and Greek for several of the Colleges of the University.

Benjamin Jowett (1817-1893) was a British classical scholar, considered to be one of the greatest teachers of the 19th century. Jowett was educated The University of Oxford, where, unusually, he was elected a fellow while still an undergraduate. In 1855 he was appointed to the Regius Professorship of Greek. During his vacations, he undertook a translation of Plato's Dialogues, which was published to great acclaim in 1871.