“This is an extraordinary piece of scholarship: in the scale of its interpretive thesis, in the depth and detail of its textual analysis, and in the extent of the author’s familiarity with relevant secondary material. Lampert’s transdialogical approach allows him to explain otherwise puzzling details and features of these dialogues and establishes a special relationship among them, while at the same time the very coherence of the resulting interpretations of each dialogue offers further validation of his interpretive principle—a kind of virtuous circle. Lampert opens up a whole new dimension of interpretive possibilities to ponder—and argue about—in considering any of Plato’s dialogues, not merely those which Lampert addresses. The payoff in attending to Lampert’s superb, challenging analysis, which builds item by item, is ample.”

Leon H. Craig, University of Alberta

“Laurence Lampert is a truly distinguished scholar whose many books have deepened our understanding of the history of philosophy immeasurably. This new book offers an extraordinarily rich, illuminating, thought-provoking, and original account of Protagoras, Charmides, and the Republic in particular and of Socrates’ thought as a whole. Even—and especially—when one disagrees with this stimulating and daring work, one learns a great deal from it. It is a remarkably ambitious book, one that attempts to put forth an interpretation of Plato’s entire corpus and its role in Western civilization.”

Peter Ahrensdorf, Davidson College

“This is a stimulating and thought-provoking book. Even if one disagrees with the author’s interpretative stance or philosophical positions, one cannot but be impressed by the freshness of his thinking. Scattered throughout are suggestions and thoughts that make the reader ponder matters anew.”

Zina Giannopoulou | Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"Lampert presents a Nietzschean reading of Plato in which a close relationship exists between a philosopher and his social experiences. As such, he offers an imaginative and completely plausible interpretation of three dialogues of Plato, which focuses on the ’dramatic dates’ of the works."

Choice

“teems with valuable observations about Plato’s dialogues.”

William Altman | Polis

“A fascinating book, consistently stimulating, full of insights. . . His approach enables Lampert to make some very intriguing suggestions. . . . I have learned a great deal from reading Lampert’s work, and others should find it equally rewarding.”

Bryn Mawr Classical Review