The Republic of Plato

By Allan Bloom (translator),

Book cover of The Republic of Plato

Book description

Long regarded as the most accurate rendering of Plato's Republic that has yet been published, this widely acclaimed work is the first strictly literal translation of a timeless classic. In addition to the annotated text, there is also a rich and valuable essay,as well as indices,which will better enable the…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Republic of Plato as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Once again, some of our most profound insights into contemporary culture derive from a deep understanding of history. For example, why is there a fundamental distrust of surfaces and shiny “bling”?

In The Republic, and in “Book X” in particular, Plato outlines a theory of images, truth, deception, and appearances that we continue to relive in everyday life.

This bedrock text is the fons et origo of all Western thinking on politics and is still as challenging and profound as on the day it was composed. It is also a deep critique of civilization, an epistemological guide, and a primer on how to live a good life. A lot in one book! It used to be the one work that every college graduate had to read. Alas, no more.

Want books like The Republic of Plato?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Republic of Plato.

Browse books like The Republic of Plato

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in utopian, political, and Plato?

Utopian 72 books
Political 3,693 books
Plato 70 books