Plotin Books

Plotinus (204/5 270 CE) was the first and greatest of Neoplatonic philosophers. His writings were edited by his disciple Porphyry, who published them sometime between 301 and 305 CE in six sets of nine treatises each (Enneads), with a biography of his master in which he also explains his editorial principles.

The Enneads by Plotinus is a work which is central to the history of philosophy in late antiquity. This volume is the first complete edition of the Enneads in English for over seventy-five years, and also includes Porphyry's Life of Plotinus. Led by Lloyd P. Gerson, a team of experts present up-to-date translations which are based on the best available text, the editio minor of Henry and Schwyzer and its corrections. The translations are consistent in their vocabulary, making the volume ideal for the study of Plotinus' philosophical arguments. They also offer extensive annotation to assist the reader, together with cross-references and citations which will enable users more easily to navigate the texts. This monumental edition will be invaluable for scholars of Plotinus with or without ancient Greek, as well as for students of the Platonic tradition.

This massive work of synthesis is one of the classics of Western mysticism. Plotinus was the main expositor of neo-platonism, the last great movement of classical Greek philosophy. Plotinus's work blends Plato, Aristotle and earlier Greek philosophy into a new religious formulation.

The Essential Plotinus is a lifesaver. For many years my students in Greek and Roman Religion have depended on it to understand the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages. The translation is crisp and clear, and the excerpts are just right for an introduction to Plotionus's many-layered view of the world and humankind's place in it. --F. E. Romer, University of Arizona

The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It aims to protect and promote cultural literature by providing modern editions that remain faithful to the original. This commitment highlights the importance of accessibility to classic texts while maintaining their authenticity.

Focusing on the philosophical exploration of suicide, this book presents translations of Plotinus' treatises, offering a deep dive into his perspectives on the subject. The translations remain faithful to the original Greek, supplemented by insightful commentary and analysis to enhance understanding. Additionally, it includes notes from Porphyry and Proclus, enriching the context. This work serves as a significant resource for those interested in the philosophy surrounding suicide and Plotinus' contributions to the field, while also preserving important literary heritage.

Plotin ist der intensivste und kraftvollste Denker im Kontext spätantiker Philosophie, von großer unmittelbarer und geschichtlich weitreichender Ausstrahlung. Er kann als ein Paradigma metaphysischen Denkens gelten, welches nicht nur die in sich differenzierte Wirklichkeit im ganzen aus einem Ursprung entfaltet, sondern Philosophie ebenso sehr als die bestimmend-bewegende und heilende" Lebensform vorstellt. Beginnend in der sinnlichen Erfahrung und im Begreifen der Vielheit der Phänomene soll sich das Denken - durch Rückwendung ins Innere - seiner selbst und seines eigenen Grundes bewusst werden. Ziel dieses denkenden, das eigene Sein in immer klarere Formen der Einheit verwandelnden Bewegung ist es, aus dem Vollzug eines mit sich selbst identisch gewordenen Denkens sich selbst zu überschreiten und sich mit dem Ursprung, dem Einen selbst, zu einen: Plotin erweist sich darin auch als Paradigma einer philosophischen Mystik