Why did ancient Athens execute its own leading intellectual? Can our society, any more than the Athenian model from which it claims descent, tolerate dissent or allow for total freedom of speech and thought? Should we admire Socrates? Or were the Athenians right to put him to death? Socrates' own pupils and friends - most especially Plato - shaped most later responses to the death of Socrates. In their versions of the story Socrates becomes a new kind of hero. He did not die in battle, defending his country; he was executed as a condemned criminal. He died not by the sword or the spear, but by poison, without violence or pain. This new story about how a hero should die was provocative to the ancient Greeks and continues to challenge and puzzle us today.
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'[A] spritely and illuminating account of the events surrounding Socrates' execution... [A]lways informative and enjoyable.'
-- TLS, October 19, 2007
-- TLS, October 19, 2007
About the Author
Emily Wilson is Associate Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Educated at Oxford and Yale, she is the author of "Mocked with Death: Tragic overliving from Sophocles to Milton" (2004), translator of "Six Tragedies of Seneca" (2009), and classics editor for the Norton Anthology of World Literature.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Giles Fair
Format:Hardcover
A fascinating, provocative work which forces us to see Socrates in a new light. Challenges us to look beyond the hagiography to the real Socrates. Written in an engaging and witty style, this book wears its considerable scholarship lightly. Highly recommended.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By BOB.T
Format:Hardcover
This book is great for anyone remotely interested in Socrates and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive introduction to him. Each chapter gives you a different angle on him from different interpretations throughout history to the present day. Wilson explains the philosophy of the man as well, and arguably to a greater extent she looks at the influence he has had on thought through out the ages.
At the end of the book there is also a very good further reading section split into relevant chapters which is very helpful especially for those interested in a particular angle on the great philosopher.
Overall a very good book for anyone interested in one of the most influential philosophers of all time.
At the end of the book there is also a very good further reading section split into relevant chapters which is very helpful especially for those interested in a particular angle on the great philosopher.
Overall a very good book for anyone interested in one of the most influential philosophers of all time.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By asp
Format:Hardcover
This is a very fresh and easy to understand narrative about Socrates and his afterlife in the mentality of western civilization.
The author writes exceptionally good and produceds some very worthwhile observations. If you only read one book on Socrates, make it this one. However, if you want a more heavy-duty take on Socrates, there are "heavier" titles out there.
Recommended!
The author writes exceptionally good and produceds some very worthwhile observations. If you only read one book on Socrates, make it this one. However, if you want a more heavy-duty take on Socrates, there are "heavier" titles out there.
Recommended!
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