This acclaimed book provides a sound, reliable, and balanced introduction to Plato's work that also enables the reader to understand who the man was, the world he lived in, what he was attempting to do, and the reasons why his writings are still important today.

'Excellent: very clear; presents a distinctive view of Plato; ideal for students beginning to study Plato.' G. Wall, Middlesex Polytechnic 'it is ideally suited to be used by students alongside their reading of the Plato texts, and therefore is valuable for undergraduate courses.' Richard Norman, University of Kent 'There are an enormous number of books on Plato but hardly any offer a short, reliable and up-to-date introduction to his thought. David Melling's book therefore fills a real gap and could certainly be recommended to beginners...a book well-worht reading. Anyone seeking to find out about Plato would do well to start off with it.' Anne Sheppard THES `David Melling's book is an excellent propylaeum for the temple. It detains us long enough to follow its own contours and prepares us for the shapes within, while making us eager to be away beyond.' Barrington Jones, Times Educational Supplement `David Melling's book...fills a real gap and could certainly be recommended to neginners...this is book well worht reading. Anyone seeking to find out about Plato would do well to start off with it.' Times Higher Education Supplement