Subject
Love -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Plato
Symposium
"Symposium" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written between 385-370 BC. At a banquet in ancient Athens, notable figures including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes engage in a contest of speeches praising Eros, the god of love. Each man offers his perspective on love's nature and power—from inspiring battlefield courage to transcending earthly desire. Through conflicting ideas and shifting viewpoints, the dialogue explores love's deepest meanings while showcasing both philosophical depth and literary artistry.
Plato
Phaedrus
"Phaedrus" by Plato is a dialogue written around 370 BC. Socrates encounters the young Phaedrus outside Athens, who has just heard a speech about love. What begins as a countryside stroll becomes an intricate philosophical exploration of love, rhetoric, and the human soul. Through three competing speeches, Socrates and Phaedrus debate whether it's better to favor a lover or a non-lover, ultimately revealing deeper questions about divine madness, the soul's nature, and the proper practice of persuasive speech.
Anonymous
Le livre du faulcon
"Le livre du faulcon" by Anonymous is a fictional narrative written during the late 15th to early 16th century. The book explores themes of love and relationships through the allegorical device of falconry, where characters represent different aspects of human emotions, such as jealousy and desire. The text serves as a reflection on the complexities of love and the trials that lovers face in their pursuits. The story revolves around a noble falconer who becomes deeply enamored with a beautiful falcon, representing his romantic interest. His love for the falcon leads him to create elaborate lures in hopes of winning her affection. However, jealousy and envy arise from other birds and animals, who attempt to sabotage their love. Throughout the narrative, the falconer struggles with external temptations and the difficulties in asserting his bond with the falcon. Ultimately, the book delves into the nature of love, the impact of gossip, and the moral lessons that accompany romantic pursuits, revealing the trials one must endure for true affection.
Plato
Συμπόσιον : ή περί έρωτος
"Συμπόσιον : ή περί έρωτος" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written c. 385-370 BC. At a banquet in ancient Athens, notable men including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes engage in a contest of speeches praising Eros, the god of love. Each speaker explores love's nature—from inspiring courage and great deeds to transcending earthly desire for spiritual heights. Through conflicting ideas and perspectives, the dialogue examines what love truly means, blending philosophical depth with literary artistry in one of Plato's major works.
Plato
Φαίδρος
"Φαίδρος" by Plato is a dialogue composed around 370 BC. Socrates and Phaedrus meet outside Athens to discuss love, rhetoric, and the nature of the human soul. Through three competing speeches, they explore whether it is better to favor a non-lover or a true lover, while examining how persuasion should be practiced. The conversation ranges from divine inspiration and madness to the famous chariot allegory, revealing deeper questions about reason, desire, and the art of speech-making.
Plato
Phaidros
"Phaidros" by Plato is a dialogue written around 370 BC. Socrates and Phaedrus meet outside Athens to discuss a speech about love. Their conversation spirals into deeper questions about rhetoric, the human soul, and divine inspiration. Through three contrasting speeches and the famous chariot allegory, they explore whether it's better to favor a lover or non-lover, while examining what makes persuasive speech truly effective and how desire shapes human nature.
Plato
Pidot (Symposion)
"Pidot (Symposion)" by Plato is a Socratic dialogue written around 385-370 BC. It depicts a banquet where prominent Athenian men—including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes—compete in delivering speeches praising Eros, the god of love. Each speaker offers a different perspective on love's nature and power, from inspiring courage to achieving spiritual transcendence. Set during an evening of wine and philosophy, the dialogue explores love's many meanings through eloquent arguments that build toward Socrates' culminating speech.
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