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This anthology of Plutarch's biographies boasts an excellent and highly readable translation by two scholars of classical literature.
In this volume, we hear Plutarch's accounts of several iconic figures from Greek and Roman antiquity. Nominally arranged according to their moral successes and failings of the individuals concerned, the Lives are a stunning insight into how the figures of antiquity were perceived and chronicled relatively soon after passing into history.
Written in the 2nd century A.D., the Lives were distributed en masse following the invention of the printing press in the early Renaissance. As well as being compelling biography, certain accounts of rulers such as Pericles are highly regarded as secondary sources by contemporary historians. In multiple cases, Plutarch compared and contrasted several of his biographical subjects. For instance early in this volume we find comparisons between Theseus and Romulus, wherein their morals, characteristics and actions are examined.
About the author
Plutarch (c. AD 46 - c. 120), later named, upon becoming a Roman citizen, Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus, was a Greek biographer and essayist, known primarily for his Parallel Lives and Moralia. Plutarch was born to a prominent family in the small town of Chaeronea, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) east of Delphi, in the Greek region of Boeotia. Plutarch studied mathematics and philosophy at the Academy of Athens under Ammonius.
Plutarch lived most of his life at Chaeronea, and was initiated into the mysteries of the Greek god Apollo. For many years Plutarch served as one of the two priests at the temple of Apollo at Delphi, the site of the famous Delphic Oracle, twenty miles from his home. He probably took part in the Eleusinian Mysteries. By his writings and lectures Plutarch became a celebrity in the Roman Empire, yet he continued to reside where he was born, and actively participated in local affairs, even serving as mayor. At his country estate, guests from all over the empire congregated for serious conversation, presided over by Plutarch in his marble chair.
Plutarch was also a magistrate at Chaeronea and he represented his home town on various missions to foreign countries during his early adult years. Plutarch held the office of archon in his native municipality, probably only an annual one which he likely served more than once. He busied himself with all the little matters of the town and undertook the humblest of duties.
