Conversations of Socrates (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Xenophon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 014044517X ISBN 13: 9780140445176

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1990

Synopsis

After the execution of Socrates in 399 BC, a number of his followers wrote dialogues featuring him as the protagonist and, in so doing, transformed the great philosopher into a legendary figure. Xenophon's portrait is the only one other than Plato's to survive, and while it offers a very personal interpretation of Socratic thought, it also reveals much about the man and his philosophical views. In 'Socrates' Defence' Xenophon defends his mentor against charges of arrogance made at his trial, while the 'Memoirs of Socrates' also starts with an impassioned plea for the rehabilitation of a wronged reputation. Along with 'The Estate-Manager', a practical economic treatise, and 'The Dinner-Party', a sparkling exploration of love, Xenophon's dialogues offer fascinating insights into the Socratic world and into the intellectual atmosphere and daily life of ancient Greece.

About this title

About the Author:

Xenophon was born c.430BC, an Athenian gentleman. Whilst fighting for Greece, he was finally banished due to his devotion to Socrates and support for Sparta. Settling near Olympia under Spartan protection, he began to write his treatises, histories and biographies.
Hugh Tredinnick was Professor of Classics at Royal Holloway College from 1946 - 1966. he has translated works by Aristotle. He dies in 1982.
Robin Waterfield is a self-employed writer with publications ranging from academic articles to children's fiction. He has tranlsated various Greek texts for Penguin.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 014044517X
• ISBN 13: 9780140445176
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384
• Editor: Waterfield Robin