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Phaedrus ; and, The Seventh and Eighth Letters

Phaedrus ; and, The Seventh and Eighth Letters - The Penguin Classics

Paperback (30 Aug 1973)

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Publisher's Synopsis

Set in the idyllic countryside outside Athens, the Phaedrus is a dialogue between the philosopher Socrates and his friend Phaedrus, inspired by their reading of a clumsy speech by the writer Lysias on the nature of love. Their conversation develops into a wide-ranging discussion on such subjects as the pursuit of beauty, the immortality of the soul and the attainment of truth, and ends with an in-depth consideration of the principles of rhetoric. Probably a work of Plato's maturity, the Phaedrus represents a high point in his achievement as a writer. This volume also contains two of his letters, which discuss his involvement in politics, in particular his role as adviser to Dionysius II of Syracuse, and are crucial documents for our understanding of Plato's life and career.

About the Publisher

Penguin Classics

In January 1946, the Penguin Classics list was launched with E. V. Rieu's translation of The Odyssey. The series now consists of over 800 titles including the best in English, American, European, classical and non-western literature and an extensive range of philosophy, religion, art, history and politics titles.

Book information

ISBN: 9780140442755
Publisher: Penguin Group (UK)
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Pub date:
DEWEY: 184
DEWEY edition: 18
Language: English
Number of pages: 160
Weight: 114g
Height: 197mm
Width: 135mm
Spine width: 11mm