Plato's "Republic": EDINBURGH PHILOSOPHICAL GUIDES

Dr D.J. Sheppard is Master of Scholars and Head of Religion and Philosophy at Oakham School, Rutland.

Series Editor's Preface; Author's Preface; Introductory Questions; A Guide to the Text; Book I (327a-354c); Books II-V (357a-471b); Books V-VII (471c-541b); Books VIII-X (543a-621d); Study Aids; Glossary; Types of Question You will Encounter; Common Assessment Criteria; Tips for Writing about Plato; Bibliography and Guide to Further Reading; Index.

As an introduction, this book clearly addresses readers new to philosophical classics and has consequently a very simple structure: it takes them through the text step-by-step... It could also be useful for 'continental' scholars who are not really working on Plato but must teach the Republic in their courses, as it provides a short but good overview of recent interpretations of the dialogue in English speaking areas. -- Diego De Brasi, Otto-Friedrich-Universitat Bamberg Bryn Mawr Classical Review This is an invaluable guide for first time readers of the Republic and their tutors. It is specifically designed to encourage readers to engage directly with the text and develop their own interpretation and critical response; it thus embraces the exploratory spirit of Plato's philosophic dialogues. Lucid, accessible and lively, it shows a deep understanding of what students both want and need. I recommend it highly. -- Dr. Angela Hobbs, University of Warwick As an introduction, this book clearly addresses readers new to philosophical classics and has consequently a very simple structure: it takes them through the text step-by-step... It could also be useful for 'continental' scholars who are not really working on Plato but must teach the Republic in their courses, as it provides a short but good overview of recent interpretations of the dialogue in English speaking areas. This is an invaluable guide for first time readers of the Republic and their tutors. It is specifically designed to encourage readers to engage directly with the text and develop their own interpretation and critical response; it thus embraces the exploratory spirit of Plato's philosophic dialogues. Lucid, accessible and lively, it shows a deep understanding of what students both want and need. I recommend it highly.