Platon, Vol. 2

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The annotation emphasizes the importance of following the biographical tradition in understanding the philosophical teachings of Plato. It highlights the similarities between sources like Diogenes, Apuleius, and Olympiodorus, suggesting they relied on introductory texts used in the philosophical schools of the imperial era. These introductions parallel the compendiums by Albinus and others, with Diogenes incorporating a summary into his biography, drawing from a philosophical history that aligns with the introductions, albeit in a richer form. His efforts to enhance the content were motivated by the interests of the lady to whom he dedicated his work, resulting in numerous insertions that sometimes disrupt the narrative flow or appear nonsensical. The need for a more usable edition of this significant text is noted, advocating for a clear presentation through formatting or annotations to indicate the text's varied sources, which consist of distinct sections. The publisher, Forgotten Books, specializes in reproducing rare and classic works, utilizing advanced technology to maintain the original format while correcting imperfections. However, some flaws from the original may still appear in the new edition, as they are preserved to honor the historical integrity of the work.