Plutarch’s Lives

Description of book

Plutarch's Lives is a collection of biographies of famous Greeks and Romans, written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch. The biographies were originally published in the late 1st century AD and early 2nd century AD and have been influential in shaping Western views of classical history and politics.

The book is comprised of 46 biographies, each comparing the lives of two historical figures who lived at approximately the same time. Plutarch's intention was to provide readers with examples of virtue and vice in order to help them live better lives. The biographies cover a range of topics, including politics, war, philosophy, and ethics.

Some of the most famous biographies in the collection include those of Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Cicero. Plutarch's approach to biography was innovative for his time, as he sought to understand the psychology and motivations of the people he wrote about, rather than just recounting their actions.

Plutarch's Lives has been widely read and studied over the centuries and has influenced many writers, including Shakespeare. It remains a valuable source of historical information and insights into the lives and values of ancient Greeks and Romans.

Plutarch (c. 46 - c. 120 AD) was an ancient Greek historian, biographer, and essayist. He was born in the town of Chaeronea in Boeotia, Greece, and spent much of his life in Athens, where he became a priest and an important figure in the intellectual and cultural life of the city.