Plutarch was a Greek historian and essayist, renowned for his biographical works and philosophical explorations. His writings, crafted in Greek, aimed to resonate with both Greek and Roman audiences. Plutarch is recognized for his classification as a Middle Platonist, and his works often delve into moral and ethical considerations. His distinctive approach involves intertwining historical figures and philosophical concepts, offering readers profound insights into the ancient world.
This selection of ten Lives traces the history of Hellenistic Greece from the rise of Macedon and Alexander's conquest of the Persian empire to the arrival of the Romans. Plutarch's biographies of eminent politicians, rulers, and soldiers combine vivid portraits of their subjects with a wealth of historical information; they constitute a uniquely important source for the period
Plutarch (c. 45 120 CE) wrote on many subjects. His forty-six Parallel Lives
are biographies planned to be ethical examples in pairs, one Greek figure and
one similar Roman, though the last four lives are single. They not only record
careers and illustrious deeds but also offer rounded portraits of statesmen,
orators, and military leaders.
Plutarch wrote a large number of essays on ethical, scientific, philosophical,
ephemeral, historical and literary topics. Even when dealing with technical
subjects, the essays reflect the author's particular style - with anecdotes
and quotations included.
Presents nine biographies that illuminate the careers, personalities and
military campaigns of some of Rome's greatest statesmen, whose lives span the
earliest days of the Republic to the establishment of the Empire. This title
includes prominent figures who achieved fame for their pivotal roles in Roman
history.
Plutarch (c. 45-120 CE) wrote on many subjects. His forty-six Parallel Lives
are biographies planned to be ethical examples in pairs, one Greek figure and
one similar Roman, though the last four lives are single. They not only record
careers and illustrious deeds but also offer rounded portraits of statesmen,
orators, and military leaders.
In this collection, Plutarch introduces readers to key figures and periods of classical Greece through the lens of their lives, serving as a mirror for reflection. He presents virtues to emulate and vices to avoid, aiming to educate and caution those in power during his time. His prose is rich and elegant, filled with learned references, as he delves into the intricate relationship between character and political action. While primarily relying on historical sources, Plutarch's storytelling flair brings anecdotes to life, enhancing the biographical narrative. Valued for both its historical significance and charm, this new translation aims to engage modern audiences with Plutarch's sophisticated insights. It offers the most comprehensive selection available, supplemented by a clear introduction, explanatory notes, bibliographies, maps, and indexes. This volume is part of a long-standing series that has provided a diverse range of literature for over a century, reflecting Oxford's dedication to scholarship. Each affordable edition includes the most accurate text alongside valuable features, such as expert introductions, clarifying notes, and updated bibliographies for further exploration.
Plutarch's Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans, commonly called Parallel Lives or Plutarch's Lives, is a series of biographies of famous men, arranged in tandem to illuminate their common moral virtues or failings. The surviving Parallel Lives, contain twenty-three pairs of biographies, each pair consisting of one Greek and one Roman, as well as four unpaired, single lives. It is a work of considerable importance, not only as a source of information about the individuals biographized, but also about the times in which they lived.
Taken from the Lives, a series of biographies spanning the Graeco-Roman age,
this collection describes the twilight of the old Roman Republic from 157-43
BC. Deeply influential on Shakespeare and many other later writers, the works
explore corruption, decadence, and the struggle for ultimate power.
Nine Greek biographies illustrate the rise and fall of Athens, from the legendary days of Theseus, the city's founder, through Solon, Themistocles, Aristides, Cimon, Pericles, Nicias, and Alcibiades, to the razing of its walls by Lysander. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
The companion volume to Plutarch's Greek Lives published in Oxford World's Classics in 1998, Roman Lives is a newly translated selection from Plutarch's rich, elegant and learned Lives, valued throughout the ages for their historical value and their charm. The lives included are those of Marcus Cato, Aemilius Paullus, The Gracchi, Marius, Sulla, Pompey, Julius Caesar and Anthony. Closely annotated with bibliographies, maps and an index, this is the ideal edition for all students of classical history.