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Plutarch's life spanned the second half of the 1st century AD. He was highly educated in rhetoric and philosophy at Athens but his deep interest in religion led him to Delphi, where he was eventually appointed a priesthood. He travelled, most crucially to Rome, where he lectured and made friends of considerable influence. He wrote and taught throughout his life. Ian Scott-Kilvert was Director of English Literature at the British Council and Editor of Writers and their Works. He has tranlsated three other of Plutarch's works for the Penguin Classics. He died in 1989.
A classic selection of nine 'lives' which range from the start of the republic to the dawn of the empire. Three famous histories which are crucial background for Shakespeare scholars are included: Coriolanus, Brutus and Mark Antony. The introduction covers Plutarch's themes - the tenacity of the Roman people and their gift for compromise - and his gifts as a biographer; a helpful appendix deals specifically with the Antony and Cleopatra background; and there are also maps. The translation is of the usual high standard for Penguin Classics, readable in itself and enhanced with sufficient footnotes to clarify the text. A vital handbook for students and fascinating also for the general reader. (Kirkus UK)
