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The Hemlock Cup: Socrates, Athens And The Search For The Good Life (2011)

by Bettany Hughes(Favorite Author)

3.85 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1400041791 (ISBN13: 9781400041794)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Knopf

review 1: This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys learning about the Bronze Age or reading historical fiction about that era. Socrates was such a prominent figure. His legacy has survived, resonating soundly into the present. This book makes his impact understandable. It contains delightful descriptions and scenes of this one man's life in all of its aspects; the soldier, lover, husband and philosopher. Bettany Hughes writes powerfully about the role of women and slaves in democratic Athens. Her attention to detail is spot on. I especially enjoyed her infrequent ramblings about geology and volcanism when describing the islands of Melos and Delos. I will read this book again someday.
review 2: I began this rather hefty tome thinking there wasn't much we could know ... moreabout Socrates, because all we have of him are second-hand accounts. Imagine my pleasure when reading this when I realized Bettany Hughes was able to paint a picture of the "tantalizingly illusive" Socrates. He became a real person. Ms. Hughes' ability to create a such a compelling biography of Socrates is amazing. This novel is informative and entertaining. It is also, not only a biography of Socrates, but a biography of Athens, which becomes just as much a character as the humans Ms. Hughes writes about. Simply astounding! I recommend this book to anyone who wants to study history and philosophy. less

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