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Plato
London, 1675
 
First edition in English of Plato's The Apology - the account of the speech Socrates makes at the trial in which he is charged with not recognizing the gods recognized by the state, inventing new deities, and corrupting the youth of Athens. A cornerstone of Western philosophy and a reminder to examine one's life truthfully without succumbing to pressure and fear. Also here for the first time in English is Phaedo – describing the moments in the prison cell leading up to Socrates’ death from poisoning by use of hemlock. “Phaedo is unique in that it presents Plato’s own metaphysical, psychological, and epistemological views; thus it belongs to Plato’s middle period rather than with his earlier works detailing Socrates’ conversations regarding ethics. Known to ancient commentators by the title On the Soul, the dialogue presents no less than four arguments for the soul’s immortality. It also contains discussions of Plato’s doctrine of knowledge as recollection, his account of the soul’s relationship to the body, and his views about causality and scientific explanation. Most importantly of all, Plato sets forth his most distinctive philosophical theory—the theory of Forms—for what is arguably the first time. So, Phaedo merges Plato’s own philosophical worldview with an enduring portrait of Socrates in the hours leading up to his death.”(IEP) [40], 300, [6, blank] - likely the initial blank leaf bound at the rear along with the other two that are called for. Bound in early 20th century blue morocco. Red speckled edges. Engraved frontispiece of Socrates accepting hemlock - small piece of upper corner torn away. Paper flaw touching 2 letters of G4, textblock edges a bit dusty. Several early notations throughout, otherwise quite internally clean. A Very Good copy of a rare and foundational work.