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Republic

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Republic

By: Plato, Christopher Rowe - translator
Narrated by: Jim Barclay
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Jim Barclay, best known for their roles in The Young Ones and Jeeves and Wooster. This definitive recording includes an introduction by Christopher Rowe, also read by Jim Barclay.

We set about founding the best city we could, because we could be confident that if it was good we would find justice in it.

The Republic, Plato's masterwork, was first enjoyed 2,400 years ago and remains one of the most widely read books in the world: as a foundational work of Western philosophy and for the richness of its ideas and virtuosity of its writing. Presented as a dialogue between Plato's teacher Socrates and various interlocutors, it is an exhortation to philosophy, inviting its listeners to reflect on the choices to be made if we are to live the best life available to us. This complex, dynamic work creates a picture of an ideal society governed not by the desire for money, power or fame, but by philosophy, wisdom and justice.

Christopher Rowe's accurate and enjoyable new translation remains faithful to the many variations of the Republic's tone, style and pace. This edition also contains a chronology, further reading, an outline of the work's main arguments and an introduction discussing Plato's relationship with Socrates, and the Republic's style, ideas and historical context.

©2012 Christopher Rowe (P)2021 Penguin Audio
Greek & Roman History Political Science
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Not for the faint hearted

This book isn’t for the faint hearted, but is undoubtedly one of the most important texts in western philosophy. It’s a slog, but worth it.

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Highly entertaining

Plato renders Socrates with such irascible humour that it’s completely understandable why he was condemned to death.

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Wisdom for any and all ages

Great introduction and analysis of the text.
Plato’s work remains as instructive as ever, whether you disagree or agree with the ideas he presents. Worth a read for any with curiosity.

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Philosophical classic

You can reviews of the main work elsewhere.

I wanted to comment on the translation, which is excellent. Christopher Rowe has done a great job - the conversation flows naturally and is easy to understand. Whilst listening I was following the text of a different translation, which I found much harder to follow - it was both disjoint and used obscure language in many places. This translation seems to avoid those defects. The narration of Jim Barclay is also wonderful - you really get the feeling of a cozy fireside discussion, and he makes what could easily be a stale conversation dynamic and three dimensional.

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Superb

At first I wasn’t sure that the narrator was suitable but now I cannot imagine a better choice, with his apt blend of easy intelligence, playfulness and pugnacity.

Highly recommended as an introduction to this radical and remarkable work.

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