Author
Plutarch
46-119
Plutarch (46-119) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Plutarch
Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans
"Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans" by Plutarch is a series of biographies written in Greek probably at the beginning of the second century. This monumental work pairs famous Greeks with Romans of similar destiny—Alexander with Caesar, Demosthenes with Cicero—to illuminate their moral virtues and failings. Rather than pure history, Plutarch crafted ethical portraits exploring how character shaped the lives of great men. Twenty-three paired biographies survive, alongside four singular lives, offering timeless lessons through comparison and moral examination.
Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1 (of 4)
"Plutarch's Lives, Volume 1 (of 4)" by Plutarch is a series of biographies written in Greek probably at the beginning of the second century. This monumental work pairs the lives of famous Greeks and Romans to reveal their shared moral virtues and failings. Through 23 paired biographies—matching figures like Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar—Plutarch explores how character shapes destiny. Rather than pure history, these literary portraits examine the psychological and moral motivations behind greatness, encouraging readers to reflect on virtue, vice, and human nature itself.
Plutarch's Morals
"Plutarch's Morals" by Plutarch is a collection of essays and speeches written in the 1st century. This eclectic work contains 78 pieces exploring Roman and Greek life alongside timeless philosophical observations. From discussions of Alexander the Great and Egyptian religious rites to explorations of divine justice and peace of mind, the collection ranges from serious treatises to humorous dialogues. These essays profoundly influenced European thought for generations, shaping Renaissance Humanists and Enlightenment philosophers alike.
Plutarch's Lives, Volume 3 (of 4)
"Plutarch's Lives, Volume 3 (of 4)" by Plutarch is a collection of biographies written in Greek at the beginning of the second century. This work pairs the lives of famous Greeks and Romans—men of similar destiny like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar—to illuminate their shared moral virtues and failings. Rather than pure history, Plutarch crafts literary portraits exploring how character shapes destiny, offering readers moral lessons through the actions and motivations of legendary figures from antiquity.
Plutarch's Lives, Volume 4 (of 4)
"Plutarch's Lives, Volume 4 (of 4)" by Plutarch is a series of biographies written at the beginning of the second century. This classical work pairs the lives of famous Greeks and Romans—such as Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar—to illuminate their shared moral virtues and failings. Rather than purely historical accounts, these biographical portraits explore how character shapes destiny, presenting both strengths and flaws to prompt readers toward self-examination and moral reflection across the ages.
Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2 (of 4)
"Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2 (of 4)" by Plutarch is a collection of biographies written in Greek at the beginning of the second century. This volume forms part of the Parallel Lives, pairing famous Greeks with Romans of similar destiny to illuminate their moral virtues and failings. Rather than pure history, Plutarch crafted literary portraits exploring how character shaped the lives of legendary figures like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. These ethical studies encourage readers to examine themselves through the actions of history's greatest men.
Complete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and Miscellanies
"Complete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and Miscellanies" by Plutarch is a collection of philosophical and literary essays likely written in the 1st century AD. This volume delves into intricate discussions regarding the essence of pleasure, the nature of living well, and the characteristics and responsibilities of a philosopher, especially in relation to the great men of society. At the start of this collection, Plutarch engages in a profound debate about the philosophy of Epicurus, asserting that it is impossible to live pleasurably according to his doctrines. The dialogue includes characters such as Zeuxippus and Theon, who challenge and elaborate upon Epicurus's notions of pleasure and pain. They dissect the implications of living a life focused solely on physical pleasures, contrasting this with the virtues of a philosophical life enriched by knowledge, virtuous action, and meaningful interactions with influential individuals. This opening sets the stage for Plutarch's broader examination of ethics, society, and the role of philosophy in achieving a fulfilling life.
Selected Essays of Plutarch, Vol. II.
"Selected Essays of Plutarch, Vol. II" by Plutarch is a collection of philosophical and moral essays written in the late first century. This volume primarily features dialogues that explore topics such as divine providence, the nature of oracles, and the heroic exploits of historical figures like Socrates and Pelopidas. The essays are characterized by Plutarch's deep interest in ethics and human virtue, examining the interplay between character, fate, and moral responsibility. The opening of this volume introduces the dialogue "On the Genius of Socrates," where characters engage in a discussion surrounding the historical recovery of Thebes from Spartan rule, intertwining themes of courage and moral philosophy. Capheisias recounts the events surrounding this mission, while the characters delve into the meaning of Socrates' divine sign, a mysterious guiding presence that influenced his decisions. The narrative is rich with references to historical events, philosophical inquiries, and character studies, setting the stage for a broader exploration of how virtue and ethics manifest in human actions and decisions.
The Boys' and Girls' Plutarch Being Parts of the "Lives" of Plutarch, Edited for Boys and Girls
"The Boys' and Girls' Plutarch" by Plutarch is a historical collection intended for younger readers, edited by John S. White. This work likely draws on Plutarch's original texts, written during the early 2nd century AD, which present moral lessons through the lives of notable historical figures from ancient Greece and Rome. The stories featured in this collection highlight themes of bravery, leadership, and virtue, showcasing heroes such as Theseus and Romulus, among others. The opening of "The Boys' and Girls' Plutarch" introduces the legendary hero Theseus, detailing his parentage, upbringing, and eventual journey to Athens. It narrates Theseus's decision to confront various robbers and villains during his travel, depicting his courageous exploits that include defeating famous figures like Periphtes and Sinis. The narrative showcases his character strengths, emphasizing his bravery and desire for nobility, as well as the familial connections that drive his journey. This opening sets the tone for the collection and invites readers into the richly woven fabric of myth, morality, and the virtues exemplified by classical heroes.
Plutarch's essays and miscellanies (Vol. 5 of 5)
No description available.
Selected Essays of Plutarch, Vol. I.
"Selected Essays of Plutarch, Vol. I" by Plutarch is a collection of philosophical essays thought to be written in the early second century AD. This work comprises an array of themes that reflect upon various aspects of ethics, education, and social conduct, providing readers insight into the moral landscape of the time. The essays serve to illustrate Plutarch's ideas and philosophical beliefs, ultimately aiming to instruct readers in the art of living a virtuous life. The opening of the collection presents a preface and introduction that frame the following essays, establishing Plutarch's credentials and the historical context of his work. The translator, T. G. Tucker, notes the essays' significance in understanding the civilization of the middle classes around the year 100 AD. He indicates that these essays are not merely the most renowned of Plutarch's writings, but rather chosen for their representative qualities and the range of engaging topics they cover. The start introduces key themes of education, civic responsibility, virtue, and interpretation of social conduct, laying a foundation for the ensuing discussions, which include a unique allegorical dinner party featuring the Seven Sages of Greece, bringing together wisdom and social interaction.
Plutarch's Romane Questions With dissertations on Italian cults, myths, taboos, man-worship, aryan marriage, sympathetic magic and the eating of beans
"Plutarch's Romane Questions" by Plutarch is a collection of philosophical inquiries and treatises written in the late 1st century AD. The work delves into various customs and cultural practices of ancient Rome, primarily associating them with folk-lore, religious beliefs, and the worship of deities. It serves as an early examination of the motivations behind these rituals and traditions, offering insights into the historical context of Roman society and its connection to both the unique and borrowed elements from Greek culture. The opening of the text introduces readers to the purpose and structure of the "Romane Questions." Plutarch poses inquiries related to customs that seem unusual or unexplained, aiming to uncover the underlying philosophies or societal norms associated with Roman practices. For instance, he questions why newlywed wives are required to touch fire and water, suggesting that these practices may stem from a deeper cultural significance tied to their roles within the household. Additionally, he notes that some explanations provided for these customs may reflect the intellectual and cultural assumptions of his time, making it essential to approach these questions with a critical perspective on early Italian religious beliefs and their evolution due to Hellenistic influences.
Plutarch on the Delay of the Divine Justice
"Plutarch on the Delay of the Divine Justice" by Plutarch is a philosophical treatise written in the late first century. This work explores the concept of divine justice, particularly focusing on the apparent delay in punishing wrongdoers and how this impacts human perception of morality and justice. The central theme centers around discussions of whether divine punishment is indeed delayed, the implications for human behavior, and the potential for moral reformation. The opening of this work presents a dialogue amongst characters reflecting upon Epicurus’ arguments against divine providence, specifically regarding the slow punishment of the wicked. Several interlocutors express their unease over the seeming absence of immediate consequences for wrongdoers, leading them to question divine justice itself. Plutarch responds by proposing that such delays serve greater purposes, such as providing time for reform and exemplifying virtues like clemency and patience. Through this initial discourse, the text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of morality, justice, and the nature of divine governance.
Πλουτάρχου Βίοι Παράλληλοι - Τόμος 3 Αλκιβιάδης - Κοριολάνος - Τιμολέων - Αιμίλιος Παύλος - Πελοπίδας - Μάρκελλος
"Πλουτάρχου Βίοι Παράλληλοι - Τόμος 3" by Plutarch is a volume from a biographical series written at the beginning of the second century. This collection pairs biographies of famous Greeks and Romans—matching figures like Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar—to illuminate shared moral virtues and failings. Rather than historical accounts, these literary portraits explore how character shapes destiny, offering readers psychological insights and moral lessons through comparison. Plutarch draws from ancient manuscripts to bridge distant Greek heroes with Rome's more recent past.
Πλουτάρχου Βίοι Παράλληλοι - Τόμος 2 Σόλων - Ποπλικόλας - Θεμιστοκλής - Καμίλλος - Περικλής - Φάβιος Μάξιμος
"Πλουτάρχου Βίοι Παράλληλοι - Τόμος 2" by Plutarch is a series of biographies written at the beginning of the second century. This work pairs 23 Greek and Roman lives to reveal shared moral virtues and failings through comparison. Plutarch examines how character shapes destiny, drawing figures like Alexander and Caesar together. Rather than pure history, these literary portraits explore ethical questions and psychological motivations, encouraging readers to reflect on virtue, vice, and the complexities of human nature across ancient civilizations.
Πλουτάρχου Βίοι Παράλληλοι - Τόμος 1 Θησεύς - Ρωμύλος - Λυκούργος - Νουμάς
"Πλουτάρχου Βίοι Παράλληλοι - Τόμος 1" by Plutarch is a series of biographies written probably at the beginning of the second century. This monumental work pairs the lives of famous Greeks and Romans to reveal their shared virtues and failings. Through 23 paired biographies—matching figures like Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar—Plutarch explores how character shapes destiny. More concerned with moral insight than historical detail, he examines the psychological motivations driving these legendary men, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and choices.